A DALE football manager is to swap the dug-out for the boxing ring as he aims to raise cash for charity.
Dave Short has never boxed before – but has signed up for an event which will see him take to the ring in early April at Darlington's Dolphin Centre for a three-round bout.
Supporters have already pledged hundreds of pounds, which will go to Cancer Research UK.
Mr Short, manager of Darlington Sunday Morning Invitation League side Middleton Wanderers FC, has signed up for Ultra White Collar Boxing, which offers those who have never boxed before eight weeks’ training before a fight against a fellow novice of similar weight and skills.
He is honing his skills under the expert eye of former British Thai boxing champion Craig Willis at Darlington's Team Hanuman gym.
“I have never boxed before – I’ve had a boxing bag in the garage, but this has really woken me up to what boxing's all about,” said Mr Short.
He said signing up for the fight had transformed his fitness and lifestyle.
“I have stopped smoking and cut back on the drink and feel great for it. I've stuck at it and already lost weight.”
Mr Short said he had wanted to raise some cash for Cancer Research and decided the boxing scheme was a good way of doing so.
To help boost funds, he has set up the Dave Short's Charity Boxing Night group on Facebook, which keep supporters up to date with how his training is going and offers a link to his Justgiving online fundraising page.
“I have always wanted to help out. Cancer is one of the biggest killers in the world. If people can support me, it will help make a difference. I want to raise as much as possible.”
His training culminates on April 8 when he will step into the ring for the fight.
As well as raising cash through during his training, money is raised on the night through the sale of tickets and hospitality packages.
“I am definitely in the heavyweight bracket – although I am losing a bit of weight,” added Mr Short.
White Collar Boxing’ originated in New York in 1988, when a doctor and an attorney trained for a few weeks before boxing each other at a black-tie event.
The term ‘white collar’ refers to business professionals taking part, and it is claimed to be the fastest growing contact sport in the world, with all different types of people taking part.
In the UK, Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB) began in 2009, hosting its event in Derby which gave birth to an explosion of white collar boxing across the UK.
In 2013, UWCB became a corporate partner of Cancer Research UK and has since raised more than £20million, with events taking place in more than 100 towns and cities across the country.
Bouts are subject to strict guidelines which those taking part must adhere to
Anyone wishing to support Mr Short’s efforts can search for his boxing night group on Facebook. For more details on UWCB go to https://ultra whitecollarboxing.co.uk.
