A group of 24 novice men from Mayo assembled in St Anne’s boxing club, Westport, last Monday night to kick off the training for a white collar boxing event on behalf of the Mayo branch of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Publicans, politicians, and footballers are among the mixed bag of men who will participate in an intensive six weeks training programme where they will learn the art of boxing under the guidance of Ray Moylett (World lightweight champion ) and coaches from St Anne’s including Peter Mullen, Paul Mullen, Gary Kennedy, Michael Burke, and Cathal O’Grady who is the co-ordinator of white collar boxing in Ireland.
The age, experience, and fitness levels of the individuals participating vary from the young to the more mature grey-haired adults. Some of them have never even been in a boxing club before never mind a boxing ring. All of the men were put through their paces early on including a weigh-in.
With careful coaching and professional trainers, these men will be transformed from ordinary decent men to boxing heroes through the use of heavy punch bags, skipping, pad work, proper diet, sparring, conditioning, and stretching. With safety of the utmost concern, all fighters were required to undergo a full medical check-up before being allowed to participate. They must also wear head gear, mouth guards, and gloves.
The programme culminates in a white collar fight night, taking place on March 5 at the TF Royal, Castlebar. Why not join in on the fun on the night for what promises to be a breath-taking display of boxing skills. Boxers will be eager to fill their sponsorship cards and any contribution you may like to give will be greatly appreciated. All proceeds on the night will go towards the Mayo Branch of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. Tickets cost €20 are now available at the TF Royal by logging on to www.theroyal.ie or 0818 300 000, or you can phone Regina on 087 377 5577 or Marian Irwin on 087 2605671 for more information.
