VIDEO: Blood, sweat and maybe some tears for Jersey boxers

Tuesday 06 September 2016

The latest batch of white collar boxers are going through their gruelling paces, ahead of the next eagerly-awaited show on Saturday, October 8th.

BoxInBusiness is to host the evening, at the Royal Jersey Showgrounds in Trinity, with current world lightweight champion Anthony Crolla the special guest.

Only this time the show will mark the beginning of a new tournament, within the 'regular' tournament, as four of the 20 boxers will take part in a Real Contender competition, based on TVs highly successful Prizefighter concept. 

The four - Tom Le Seuer, Matthew Hill, Nathan Taylor and Andrew Rafferty, pictured below - will be matched together in two semi-finals, followed by a final, with the winner named The Real Contender champion, sponsored by finance company Grant Thornton.   

It all adds up to a terrific night of white collar boxing, which BoxInBusiness’ head trainer Ben Murray says will be a fantastic advert for the positive aspects of the sport. 

“The addition of a Real Contender series has given this a massive edge and it promises to be a memorable night of boxing. 

 “The other 16 boxers are also going through the wringer and as always, this will be a brilliant showcase for them. All the fighters are so looking forward to this and although the training is gruelling, it is also a lot of fun. That’s the idea behind this. To get really fit, but also to enjoy.”

Our video shows just a fraction of what the fighters have to go through in order to be ready to step into the ring. 

Mr Murray said: "This takes some serious dedication and fair play to all our boxers. They are all prepared to put in the hours of hard work in order to get into the ring and give a great account of themselves."

The black-tie evening, which includes a three-course meal, will commence with the boxing shortly after a Q&A session with Anthony Crolla, who defends his world title later this month against Jorge Linares in Manchester. 

Mr Murray said: “Anthony was a huge success at the last BoxInBusiness white collar show we put on in June and he loved it, so we invited him back. We were delighted when he accepted and we really hope he successfully defends his title. I’ll certainly be there in Manchester cheering him on.”

A former amateur star, Mr Murray has good reason to support Anthony Crolla as the pair faced each other 11 years ago in the Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) quarter-finals - a bout which the latter won on points. 

Mr Murray said: “That was a long time ago, but I've watched Anthony's career develop over the years and what he has done is incredible. He is a blueprint for so many other sportsmen in the way he has dedicated his life to his sport.

"As for the white collar evening, the fights should all be part of amazing night of boxing and as always the fun element is the key. As always, the venue will be packed out and it all adds up to another brilliant night.”

A few remaining tickets are still available for the evening on October 8th from the BoxInBusiness website here.