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Fighting for Change: A Wake-Up Call for Youth Combat Sports

The death of 15-year-old Alex Eastwood, a promising kickboxing champion from Fazakerley, has reignited the national debate over the safety and regulation of children’s combat sports. Alex died from a brain injury following an unregulated exhibition bout in Wigan—a fight held with virtually no safeguards in place.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Labour MP Dan Carden highlighted the lack of oversight at the event, while Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock acknowledged that the case raised “worrying concerns” about the protections—or lack thereof—for young athletes.
Alex’s grieving parents, Ste and Nikita, sat in the Commons gallery as the issue was debated. They’re now set to meet Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who holds overall responsibility for sports regulation—and who represents the very constituency where the fatal fight occurred.

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