The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Former two-weight world champion David Haye was a hugely popular attraction at Spalding and District Round Table’s annual boxing night.
About £10,000 was raised for local good causes, taking the total raised over the event’s 22-year history to about £250,000.
Spalding Amateur Club member Alex Jackson with some sparring. Photo: VNC200216-45
Haye proved to be a great booking. When he agreed to attend, it was before he had announced his comeback into the ring.
That return last month went to plan, with a quick knockout of Mark De Mori. And last Saturday, 35-year-old Haye told the 550 guests at Springfields Events Centre of his desire to become a world heavyweight champion again.
The focus is now on his next fight in May against an as yet unnamed opponent.
Haye sat on Crowland Cranes’ table before circulating around the venue for many photos with fans.
For Table’s Tom Bradshaw, it was a great way to end his two-year stint as boxing night organiser.
He said: “David was a fantastic guest who entertained the crowd for over 30 minutes.
“His speech covered everything from his early years, his boxing inspirations, where he’s been and where he’s hoping to end up and everything in between including his spell in the I’m A Celebrity jungle.
“Early indications are that we’ve raised £10,000.
“I want to thank everyone that has supported the event over the past two years whilst I’ve been in charge and together we’ve raised well over £20,000 for the local area.”
The night included a demonstration of sparring by Spalding Amateur Boxing Club members and bouts between Army and police clubs.
Table’s next fundraiser is the first Spalding Beer and Music Festival between Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 29 at The Castle Sports Complex in Spalding.
