Boxers take a shot at the coach at St Ives BC charity open day
A BOXING coach from St Ives is attempting a 50-round sponsored sparring session to raise money for charity.
A BOXING coach from St Ives is attempting a 50-round sponsored sparring session to raise money for charity.
Steve Whitwell, head coach at St Ives Boxing Club, will pull on the pads to raise money to be split between the club and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust at an open day at the club’s new gym from noon on Saturday, September 4.
The charity has been chosen as Steve looks to carry on the fundraising work done by his brother Paul before his death in a motorcycle accident last year. The Paul Whitwell CF Fund has since been set up in his memory.
“It was a very important charity to him because his son Jacob has cystic fibrosis,” said Steve, 41. “Paul was always doing something to raise money – the Three Peaks, bungee jumping, cycle rides. I think he even climbed Kilimanjaro.
“When he died it seemed only appropriate that someone carried on his fundraising.”
For his part, Steve will allow club boxers past and present to take a shot at the coach in 50 two-minute sparring sessions. He will get just a minute’s rest between rounds in each batch of 10 at the club’s new gym in Free Church Passage, St Ives.
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“It’s unheard of to take on this many rounds. The most people usually do in a day is six or seven, so this will be something new,” said Steve.
Former British and European champion Dave “Boy” Green will be present, as a former St Ives BC member, and the day will include the presentation of the annual trophies among the club’s 20 boxers.
However, the day is not only for boxers as the club’s doors will be open for anyone to come in and see the new facilities.
“People can find out about the club, have a go on the equipment, and find out about the general fitness classes we also offer for non-boxers.
“We’re trying to make this a busy club, and the new gym has made a massive difference. The new facilities mean we can be in the gym every day, and the club can go from strength to strength.
“It’s been like a makeover show trying to get the gym ready, and there’s still a lot of hard work to be done, but it’s already been great for the club.”
