A BUDDING boxer is hoping for beginners luck when he competes in a match for charity – just weeks after taking up the contact sport.
Marcus Ridley was looking for a way to keep fit, and after hearing good things about the sport from his friends decided to give it a try.
And fuelled by his new-found passion for boxing the 27 year-old signed up to a ‘White Collar’ charity boxing match – where people with little to no experience compete.
But has no idea who he will be up against as those taking part do not find out who their opponent is until two days before the match.
Marcus, who hails from Leamington, told the Observer: “I wanted to get into boxing to get fit. I’ve sparred in karate before but wanted to try something a bit different.
“I saw a few adverts on social media about boxing for charity and I saw one for Help For Heroes. I talked it over with my mates and signed up. Our soldiers need as much support as they can get and the government don’t help them enough before, during and after service, so I thought I would help as much as I can.
“Most importantly, not only am I doing this for fitness but I am also doing it for the soldiers that protect this country.”
The matches are organised by local pair Robbie Owen and Kara Lees.
And Robbie says for him the fund-raising is also as important as the health benefits of boxing.
He said: “Having a military background I wanted to raise money for a charity that supports injured service personnel.
“ I got involved with White Collar Boxing in 2014 after not having boxed for around 10 years. The physical and mental benefits that I rediscovered made me feel the need to share that experience and train others.”
The match takes place at 6pm on Saturday July 1 at The Empire in Coventry.
Tickets cost £25 with all proceeds going to charity.
Email [email protected] to book or visit heroesfor6.com to find out more about White Collar Boxing in Warwickshire.
Visit www.justgiving.com/Marcus-Ridley to donate.
