Mohammed Ali once told the world that he could “float like a butterfly”. But as Nelson’s eight newest boxers were unveiled on Friday night, the only butterflies around were located firmly in their stomachs.
The eight were announced at the “After the Bell” fundraiser on Friday as the first confirmed fighters for the Fight 4 Victory charity boxing event, which will be held at Saxton Stadium on April 4, next year.
The date for the next Fight 4 Victory was announced in Nelson Weekly last month and, since then, organisers Barry Galbraith and Paul Hampton have been inundated with emails from people keen to take part.
But the pair have had to carefully partner people together to ensure safe and even fights and say they’re thrilled to announce the first four of eight planned bouts.
“We’re really happy with the people we have and we are just so happy that so many people were keen to do this and support the trust and the kids. That’s what this is all about,” says programme director at the trust, Paul Hampton.
Among the match ups are two lawyers – Emma Riddell and Michelle Byczkow, two sergeants, Steffan James from the police and Justin Carter from the army, and two hairdressers, Libby Brumwell from Tonic Hairculture and Hazel Trethowen of Ursula Harris.
The fourth fight announced is between Pomeroys Coffee general manager, Hayden Thomson, and Nelson Weekly editor, Andrew Board.
Three other fights are close to being confirmed and will be announced over the next few weeks, says Paul.
After the Bell raised close to $10,000 for the Victory Boxing Charitable Trust at the Rutherford Hotel on Friday night. Blackstick Anita Punt, Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning boxer David Nyika and former boxer and league star Monty Betham entertained the crowd with some insights into their sports, but it was the advice from Monty that was left ringing in the ears of the eight fighters: “Preparation is everything, be fit.”
Fighter Michelle Byczkow says she is nervous but excited about the bout.
“I’ve had a couple of moments where I’ve been ‘oh my gosh, what have I done?’ But mostly, I’m pretty excited.”
