Sandhurst Mayor Throws Down the Gauntlet to Sir Sadiq Khan for Charity
The Mayor of Sandhurst, Councillor Graham Birch, has challenged the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, to step into the boxing ring with him, all in the name of charity.
Cllr Birch formally issued the challenge in a letter to Sir Sadiq on 14 August, proposing a charity boxing exhibition match which he hopes could capture the public imagination, attract a significant audience and raise substantial funds for good causes.
The proposed event would see money raised shared between charities supported by the Mayor of London and Cllr Birch’s two Mayoral charities, Thames Hospice and Walk Once More.
Cllr Birch said:
“This is a completely genuine challenge, although definitely made with a sense of fun. Sadiq has spoken about his boxing background in the past, while my own experience amounts to some very basic stance knowledge and hitting punch bags, so I suspect he has a considerable technical advantage!”
“But that’s part of what could make it so much fun. I’m probably the stronger of the two of us, he’s almost certainly the better boxer, and I’d be prepared to put myself through some proper training. Most importantly, we could potentially raise a fantastic amount of money for charity.”
The challenge is also intended to demonstrate that political differences do not have to prevent politicians from working together for worthwhile causes.
In his original letter, Cllr Birch said the intention would be charitable rather than political, adding that he hoped two elected representatives with different viewpoints could step into the ring, raise money for good causes and shake hands afterwards.
Cllr Birch added:
“Sadiq and I certainly don’t agree on everything politically, but I’ve actually been a fan of his since watching him on Have I Got News for You. He’s quick-witted, he’s got a great sense of humour and he’s always struck me as someone prepared to have a bit of fun.”
“Politics can be far too tribal. Two politicians with different views getting into a boxing ring, shaking hands before and afterwards, and raising money together for good causes would send a much more positive message.”
An initial response from the Greater London Authority referred to Sir Sadiq being unable to attend the Mayor of Sandhurst’s existing fundraising events because of prior commitments.
Cllr Birch has since clarified that the proposal is not an invitation to an existing event. No date has yet been set, and the intention is to create a new event at a mutually convenient time, with charitable proceeds shared between causes supported by the two Mayors.
He has now written back to clarify the proposal and has asked whether Sir Sadiq has personally had the opportunity to consider the challenge.
Cllr Birch said:
“We’re hopeful that once the actual proposal reaches Sadiq, he’ll give it some serious thought. He’s a brave man, he’s the one with the boxing experience, and I’m the one volunteering to get punched, so hopefully he’ll accept the challenge!”
“There’s no political trap here and no attempt to score points. If he beats me, I’ll shake his hand and congratulate him. If somehow I beat him, I hope he’ll do the same. Either way, win, lose or draw, the real winners would be the charities.”
Cllr Birch has said that, if Sir Sadiq does not wish to box, he would also be happy to discuss an alternative sporting challenge or fundraising event that could achieve the same charitable objective.
The challenge forms part of Cllr Birch’s 2026 to 2027 Mayoral year, during which he is raising funds for Thames Hospice and Walk Once More through a programme of charity and community events across Sandhurst.
