Radio 1's Life Hacks - Adapt the World - I've Been There: Dillian Whyte & Knife Crime

Download I've Been There: Dillian Whyte & Knife Crime

Katie Thistleton meets interim world heavyweight boxing champion Dillian Whyte. Considered one of the best in the world, Dillian aka The Body Snatcher opens up to Katie about his tough upbringing on the streets of Brixton, and surviving gang violence and knife crime. Before becoming a boxer Dillian arrived from Jamaica at the age of 12 and settled with his family in South London. During his teenage years, a growing connection to gangs resulted in him being stabbed three times and shot twice. Seeking an outlet for his aggression and an escape from the streets, Dillian headed to his local boxing gym and hasn’t looked back since. Through grit, determination and a solid support network, Dillian has defied the odds, inspired a nation and won international fights.

In the UK thousands of teenagers know someone they would define as a street gang member and many have been the victim of a violent crime. Katie takes Dillian to surprise two budding boxers from different areas in South London. Both have been attending different boxing gyms which give teens an alternative to the ever-present gang affiliations and crime. How do they react when legend Dillian Whyte walks in to their gym?

Published on Wednesday, 20th May 2020.

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