Fight 4 Change hosts annual fundraising gala in honour of the legendary Tony Cesay

Fundraising evening will celebrate the power of boxing to transform young lives, honour the legacy of the legendary Tony Cesay and raise vital funds for young people across London

London's business leaders and community champions are preparing to swap their suits for boxing gloves as sport-for-development charity Fight 4 Change hosts its annual fundraising gala on Friday 20 November 2026 at the Leonardo Hotel in the City of London. 

Sponsored by SES Engineering Services, part of Wates Group, the black-tie event will bring together corporate supporters, community leaders and friends of the charity for an evening of boxing, entertainment and fundraising, celebrating the extraordinary difference that sport, mentorship and positive interventions can make to young people's lives.

At the heart of the evening will be a series of special boxing showcases featuring corporate supporters who have undertaken dedicated training programmes in preparation for stepping into the ring. Their commitment reflects the spirit of Fight 4 Change: challenging personal boundaries, building resilience and demonstrating what can be achieved through determination, discipline and support.

The evening will also feature the presentation of the Tony Cesay Community Award, honouring the life and legacy of the Olympian, former amateur boxer, coach and much-loved community leader who passed away in 2025 following motor neurone disease (MND).

Tony dedicated much of his life to using boxing as a force for good, inspiring generations of young people and helping create opportunities for those who needed them most. His influence extended far beyond the boxing ring, reflecting an unwavering commitment to community, mentorship and giving back.

Established in his memory, the award will recognise an individual who embodies those same values, celebrating someone whose dedication to others is making a lasting and positive difference within their community.  This year, the award will be given to boxing coach Ashley Belgrave.   Through his dedicated boxing and mentoring programmes, Belgrave has provided a vital sanctuary and positive role modelling for vulnerable youth, special educational needs (SEN) children, and ex-offenders across London. By channelling the discipline of combat sports, 

he empowers individuals to build physical fitness, mental resilience, and life skills that foster long-term community reintegration and personal growth.

Fight 4 Change’s CEO, Rebecca Donnelly said, “We are delighted to be hosting our annual fundraiser together again this year.  It is a unique opportunity for us to engage the community in a different way, to bring awareness to the important work we do and to celebrate the extraordinary people and organisations that make a difference alongside us every day.”

Rob Clifford, Executive Managing Director, SES Engineering Services said, “At SES, we believe businesses have a responsibility to create opportunities in the communities around us. Fight 4 Change shares that ambition, using sport, mentoring and trusted relationships to help young people build confidence, develop skills and see a route to a positive future.  That's why we're proud to stand alongside Fight 4 Change, not simply as a sponsor, but as a partner invested in creating lasting opportunity.”

More than boxing: changing lives through opportunity

Working primarily across Lambeth, Fight 4 Change uses boxing as a powerful means of engaging children and young people who may face challenges including poor mental health, difficulties in education, exposure to violence, low confidence and limited access to opportunities.

Through boxing, mentoring, education and trusted relationships with coaches and youth workers, the charity helps young people build confidence, develop resilience, improve their emotional wellbeing and make positive choices about their futures.

While boxing provides the initial connection, it is the relationships and opportunities created beyond the ring that make the greatest difference.

Funds raised through the gala will support the charity's ongoing work, helping more young people access the guidance, encouragement and opportunities they need to thrive.

Corporate support with a community purpose 

The 2026 gala is proudly supported by headline sponsor SES Engineering Services, part of Wates Group, whose involvement reflects a shared commitment to investing in communities and helping people realise their potential.

The partnership highlights the important role businesses can play in supporting grassroots organisations and creating meaningful opportunities for young people.

With a drinks reception, three-course dinner, live boxing showcases, entertainment and celebrations throughout the evening, the gala promises to be a memorable occasion that combines the excitement of sport with a powerful social purpose.

Event details 

• Event: Fight 4 Change Fundraising Gala 2026
• Date/Time: Friday 20 November 2026 from 7pm
• Venue: Leonardo Hotel, 8–14 Cooper's Row, London EC3N 2BQ

Businesses, organisations, or individuals wishing to attend or support the event, as well as media wishing to cover, please go to www.fight4change.org.uk, or email events@fight4change.org.uk

About Fight 4 Change

Fight 4 Change is a London-based sport-for-development charity working primarily across Lambeth to improve the lives and prospects of children and young people.  Using boxing as a platform for engagement, the charity combines sport, mentoring, education and positive relationships to help young people overcome challenges, develop confidence and resilience, improve their wellbeing and make positive choices about their lives.  The charity believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.  For further information, visit www.fight4change.org.uk.

About the Tony Cesay Community Award

The Tony Cesay Community Award was established in memory of Olympian, former amateur boxer, coach and community leader Tony Cesay, who passed away in 2025 following motor neurone disease. The award recognises individuals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to helping others and making a positive difference within their communities.

About SES Engineering Services

SES Engineering Services, part of Wates Group, is the headline sponsor of the Fight 4 Change Fundraising Gala 2026. Its support reflects a shared commitment to community investment, opportunity and helping people achieve their potential.