A former kickboxing champion has unveiled plans for a star-studded charity boxing night at Nantwich Civic Hall raising cash for causes close to his heart.
It will be a big night for South Cheshire businessman Ken Lawton who is returning to the ring almost 30 years since he won the British Light Heavyweight Kickboxing Championship.
Now aged 57, the boss of Alpha Omega Securities in Crewe is coming out of retirement to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and Christie Cancer Hospital.
The night will include celebrity guest speakers and interviews with boxing legends Frank Bruno, Tim Witherspoon and Joe Egan.
It takes place in March, leaving just a few short months for Nantwich man Ken to train.
That means a strict diet and 5am gym sessions, before a full day at the helm of Alpha Omega Securities.
He said: “It’s been 26 years since my last fight.
“I’ve always said there’s one more in me and I wanted to do it before I’m 60. Raising money for these charities was my inspiration.
“It’s an exhibition bout which means we’re not fighting for a title but I don’t expect to come out unscathed.
“I don’t know any boxer who goes in the ring not intending to give it his all.”
There was a tragic incident when Ken won his title at Nantwich Civic Hall back in 1988. A teenage boy in the crowd died of heart failure.
He added: “That’s always stayed with me. I want to raise awareness of heart issues in young people.
“Also, I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way. I’ve lost old friends and a member of staff is currently being treated.
“We hope to raise as much as we can for these worthy causes and would love to hear from local businesses as potential sponsors.”
His long-time sparring local partner Pete ‘Shuff’ Shufflebotham, 51, a former heavyweight kickboxing champion, will be his opponent.
UK National Director of Referees John Blackledge, a former world kickboxing champ, will be joining them in the ring.
The evening’s master of ceremonies will be BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Gary Richardson with interviews and commentary by Emma Jones of Signal 1 Radio.
Five times Thai Kickboxing World Champion Ronnie Green and Judo black belt Dean Colvin, from Crewe, are supporting him in his training.
There will be entertainment from all-girl violin group String Mania and X Factor opera stars G4.
Anyone who would like to know more about sponsorship opportunities is asked to email [email protected]
Alpha Omega Securities provides security officers for all aspects of security at venues across the North West, including major events such as the Royal Cheshire County Show and Nantwich Show.
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