Karl Matthews is the founder of Knockout Potential, a youth development programme built on discipline, resilience, and the belief that potential comes from within.
Karl's journey began with 15 years of service in the British Army, where he served as a surface-to-air missile operator in the Royal Artillery.
His military career shaped the core values he lives by today- discipline, leadership, respect, and mental strength.
After leaving the forces, Karl continued working in high-pressure environments as a qualified Close Protection Officer (Bodyguard), strengthening his ability to lead, protect, and inspire others.
Alongside his professional career, Karl has always had a deep passion for boxing, fitness, and personal development. As a qualified boxing coach and instructor, he witnessed first-hand how boxing can transform lives, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. This inspired him to create Knockout Potential.
Knockout Potential is more than boxing. it is a structured programme designed to help young people build confidence, improve behaviour, develop discipline, and strengthen mental well being. Karl has successfully delivered programmes within schools and communities, receiving outstanding feedback from teachers, parents, and students for the positive changes seen in attitude, focus, and self -belief.
As a husband and father of five, Karl understands the importance of guidance, role models, and strong foundations for young people. His mission is to expand Knockout Potential across schools, communities, and organisations, helping young people realise their strength, control their mindset, and unlock the champion within themselves.
Karl continues to lead Knockout Potential with passion, purpose, and a commitment to making a real difference building stronger individuals, stronger communities, and stronger futures.
Ria Matthews is a qualified ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) working within schools, supporting children with emotional regulation, confidence, resilience and well being. Her professional background is rooted in helping young people navigate big emotions, build healthy coping strategies and feel safe, heard and understood.
As the wife of Karl Matthews, founder of Knockout Potential, Ria plays a powerful role behind the scenes and within the programme itself. While Karl brings the boxing structure, discipline and physical development, Ria ensures the emotional foundations are just as strong. Together, they create a balanced approach strength of body and strength of mind.
Ria’s experience in schools means she understands:
* Emotional triggers and behaviour linked to trauma
* Anxiety, low confidence and self-esteem challenges
* Social skills development
* Emotional regulation techniques
* Safe spaces for children to express themselves
Her input into Knockout Potential is exceptional. She supports session design with emotional development in mind, helps shape mentoring conversations, and provides guidance to ensure every child is not just trained physically but supported emotionally.
Children respond to Ria because she genuinely cares. She has a calm, nurturing presence that allows young people to open up, trust and grow. For many children, especially those struggling with behaviour or confidence, her involvement is transformative.
Knockout Potential isn’t just about boxing. It’s about building resilient, confident young people who believe in themselves.
Ria Matthews is a vital part of that mission.
Welcome to the Team
COACH- BOBBY MATTHEWS
We are proud to officially welcome Bobby Matthews to the knockout potential coaching team.
Bobby grew up in Bexhill-On-Sea, East Sussex, raised in a fighting family alongside his brother Karl. Life hasn't always been easy, After losing their father to cancer, Bobby went through a very difficult period and struggled with his mental health. But true to the fighting spirit in him, he refused to stay down.
Through boxing, Bobby rebuilt his strength, confidence, and purpose. The sport helped shape him into the man he is today- focused, resilient, and driven to help others. Now a proud family man, living happily with his wife and children, Bobby joins Knockout Potential with a mission: To inspire, guide, and mentor the next generation. His story is real, his journey is powerful and his passion for helping young people succeed both inside and outside the ring makes him a huge addition to our team.
The kids won't just be learning boxing, they'll be learning resilience, belief and how to overcome life's challenges.
Welcome to the team Bobby the journey continues.....
