OUR 2022 SCHEDULE is set off and running at the fitting venue of York Hall on Friday and I can tell you that, while we are a little late off the mark, our forthcoming plans will more than make up for lost time.

It is no secret that I was hugely frustrated by the decision of the BBBoC to suspend boxing in January without any consultation with stakeholders. There were no assurances or guarantees offered for February so we elected to err on the side of caution and kickstart our schedule in March.

What we have got coming up is well worth waiting for and we will soon have further news for April to slot in alongside the big one, the WBC Heavyweight championship of the world collision between Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte. Demand for tickets has been truly staggering and, fingers crossed, we get the green light to bump up capacity even further from the current 90,000 already sold.

WITH THE AWFUL situation in Ukraine deteriorating further by the day, I must doff my cap and pay tribute to our partner in Queensberry Poland, Mariusz Krawczynski, for his acts of compassion and generosity to the displaced Ukrainians.

Mariusz and his family are successful hoteliers who own a number of hotels across Poland, including a castle, which is now playing host to some very special guests.

The castle is now welcoming refugees from Ukraine – mostly women and children – and homing them free of charge.

Mariusz, I salute you, my friend.