ON Sunday November 24 a rabble of ex-boxers gathered in Abbey Road’s legendary Studio Two – which The Beatles made famous and in where artists like Oasis, Pink Floyd, Kate Bush and Adele have all produced some major recordings – and belted out their very own masterpiece, Never Give Up, Never Give In.
The likes of John Conteh, Duke McKenzie, John H. Stracey, Kevin Mitchell, Barry Jones, Stacey Copeland, Martin Power, Harry Holland, Johnny Oliver, Jimmy Batten, Billy Schwer (senior and junior), Nicky Piper and James Cook – among others – were all in attendance and used their angelic voices to lay down the vocals for the Simon Block-penned track which will be released next year.
The song is designed to raise money for the Ringside cause. Officially launched in January, with the ultimate aim of opening a residential home for ex-boxers, Ringside Rest and Care has exceeded expectation and gathered many thousands of pounds while also securing charity status. The year 2020 is already gearing up to be an exciting one.
The song will only heighten awareness. Boxing News editor Matt Christie also leant his vocals to the track and said: “This is a tremendous cause that BN has fully supported from the start. It was truly heart-warming to see so many champions at Abbey Road today, there were no egos on display at all, only good humour and a desire to help. Some, like John H. Stracey, even set their alarm for 2am to make the trip. This level of support and commitment needs to be shown by the entire boxing community. Boxing has shown time and again what can happen when everyone unites. Let’s all make this home a reality.”
Never Give Up, Never Give In is scheduled for release in the Spring of 2020.
