A controversial charity boxing event is poised to return to Inverness – just months after one was cancelled at the last minute amid safety fears.
Thousands of pounds are expected to be raised for Cancer Research UK at the Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB) event at the city’s Ice Centre on Saturday.
Such bouts have become hugely popular in recent years, raising £8million for Cancer Research at fundraisers across the UK.
But UWCB’s attempt to bring its show to Inverness last September ended in chaos after council body High Life Highland pulled the plug just days before it was due to be held at the city’s main leisure centre.
More than £7,000 had already been pledged and 900 tickets had been sold, but the local authority’s sports arm cancelled it amid safety concerns raised by Boxing Scotland, which opposes the such events.
The two-day fundraiser was later switched to November at the privately-owned Hilton Coylumbridge at Aviemore.
Boxing Scotland considers the rookie events “unregulated” despite the insistence of the organisers that the safety of participants is paramount.
The boxers get eight weeks of free training at a local boxing gym with professional boxing coaches, and are then matched to another rookie opponent based on weight, fitness, ability and age.
All boxers have a medical before and after their bout, which are contested over three rounds of two minutes, with one-minute intervals, with boxers required to wear protective headgear.
Around 600 people are expected to enjoy the spectacle at the Ice Centre on Bught Drive on Saturday.
Robyn Johnson, marketing manager at UWCB, said: “UWCB is a unique opportunity for people with no boxing background to experience the wonderful world of boxing, in a safe and enjoyable environment.
“Participants get involved for the same reasons; to get fit, learn a new sport, gain a real sense of achievement and to reach their own personal goals.”
Jane Fraser, Commercial Manager at Inverness Ice Centre, said: “We are delighted to be holding the UWCB charity event this weekend.
“As a charity ourselves we are pleased to be hosting this event, which also supports another very deserving charity – Cancer Research UK.
“We hope to welcome a large crowd on Saturday for what I’m sure will be a very entertaining night.”
