BIG name boxers have thrown their weight behind an event remembering Ryan Passey and encouraging the community to unite in the fight against knife crime.

Two-time light welter-weight world champion Amir Khan and a host of boxers have pledged support for Tackling Knife Crime Together event which will take place at Stourbridge Football Club on Sunday September 30.

The event has been organised by the Justice for Ryan campaign group and Opening Boundaries charity in memory of Ryan who was stabbed to death at Chicago’s nightspot in Stourbridge in August 2017.

Jason Connon, of the Justice for Ryan campaign, said relatives of 24-year-old footballer Ryan will be at the event, which is being supported by West Midlands Police, plus other families who have lost loved ones to knife crime.

Mr Connon, who started the campaign group after a shock court verdict saw the man accused of killing Ryan walk free from court, said: "We want the whole community to really come out and support not only Ryan's family but other families that are going to be there."

"It's about us all standing together.

“Knife crime does not just affect one person. It affects whole families, friends, communities and beyond for the rest of their lives.”

The event aims to use the power of sport, particularly football, to highlight and take a stand against the growing problem of knife crime.

Farah Ahmed, project manager for Opening Boundaries which staged a charity anti-knife crime event at Stourbridge Rugby Club in May, added: “I am keen to demonstrate what we as a community can achieve when we come together using the power of sport which in turn helps to drive social change and allows us to live in a safer and more inclusive society.

"We hope the day will bring everyone together to say ‘no’ to any form of violence. We want to use sport as a positive diversionary which can engage with people of all races, genders and classes.”

The event will open at noon - with a charity football game between the Justice for Ryan campaign and a Wolves All-Stars team kicking off at 2pm.

Farah added: “There will be a number of ex professional footballers turning out for both sides, which we hope will entertain the crowds.

“The day will also consist of activities for the whole family.

“We would like to urge the whole community to get behind this campaign and show what can be achieved by tackling knife crime together.”

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, Amir Khan opponent Samuel Vargas and Black Country boxer Sam Eggington are also among the names from the world of sport supporting the event which will also include a fun fair, tug of war, food stalls, competitions, a raffle and which will follow an anti-knife awareness walk starting from The Ryemarket in Stourbridge at 11am.

To find out more go to the Justice for Ryan Campaign Group on Facebook or the Respect for Ryan campaign.