Boxing royalty coming to Southsea

AN ARRAY of boxing's heavy-hitters are set to descend on Southsea.
John ContehJohn Conteh
John Conteh

They are coming to the area as the Royal Navy take on a Southern Counties squad in an exciting evening of amateur contests.

It’s all part of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Ex-Boxer Association’s dinner show at the Pyramids on May 20.

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A trio of world champions have confirmed they will be present to witness the action unfold.

Former WBC light-heavyweight champion John Conteh will travel down from Liverpool to watch the show.

Conteh won the world title in 1974 after enjoying British, Commonwealth and European success.

He will be joined by Richie Woodhall, who conquered the world at super-middleweight level in 1998.

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The Birmingham man went on to make successful defences of his WBC title against Thulani Malinga, Glenn Catley and Vincenzo Nardiello.

And former marine man Terry Marsh will also be present on a night to savour for fight fans.

Marsh retired undefeated in 1987 after picking up the IBF light-welterweight crown and defending it successfully.

Association event organiser Alan Dolman is excited about the quality of boxing and the presence of legendary names from the noble art.

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Plenty of memories will be shared at the night, with former Commonwealth Games boxer and Royal Navy boxing coach, Tony Oxley, who died last year, certain to be in the thoughts of many.

Dolman said: ‘It’s looking like a top, top show.

‘It’s been a few years since we’ve held one of these events and we are moving to the Pyramids for it.

‘It looks like a good venue and we’ll need the space with our shows being so popular.

‘We’re delighted to be welcoming so many big names for the occasion, too.

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‘We’re really grateful to John, Richie and Terry for taking the time to come down and support us. It’s shaping up very nicely indeed.’

There are 350 seats available for the dinner show, although they are expected to be snapped up quickly.

Tickets for the event are priced £45 each, which include the cost of dinner and entertainment.

A Royal Navy band will be playing at the event, with the bar opening at 6.30pm.

For more details on the show contact Dolman on (023) 9248 3388.

– JORDAN CROSS

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