Following yet another highly successful charitable boxing show in Boston last April, the annual ‘Battle at the Bay' event is now preparing for its fourth edition on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the Dorchester Armory.
To help launch their appeal for novice fighters, the ‘Battle at the Bay’ organizers are hosting an event on Friday, January 9 with a special appearances by two of Ireland’s biggest sporting exports, UFC fighter, Conor McGregor and Irish Professional Boxer, Jason Quigley.
The event will launch this year’s charity boxing show and founder of ‘Battle at the Bay,’ Mark Porter says “To have these guys on board is amazing.”
Further remarking “Given the nature of our own event and the fact it is primarily Irish men and women taking part, it is great to have both these talented fighters from Ireland taking time out of their training schedules to get involved and help us launch our 2015 event in Boston.”
Rising UFC star Conor McGregor will fight veteran fighter Denis Siver on January 18 at TD Garden. A win on the night will pave the way for McGregor to go for a title shot against Jose Aldo.
With two of Ireland's biggest sports exports to America weighing in behind the fundraiser, Porter, hopes it will encourage more fighters to take part as well as promote the March show "We started our training early with boxing sessions taking place before Christmas and we have had a great turn-out so far. However, we are hoping that given that the holidays are over and people are looking to get fit or are looking for a challenge, they will see 'Battle at the Bay' as the perfect way to do this and all whilst helping to raise money for charity."
All contenders receive free boxing training which continues in earnest on January 5 at the highly respected TNT Boxing Gym in Braintree every Tuesday and Thursday evening. These training sessions are intended to give every wannabe Rocky Balboa, a chance to gain confidence and learn the boxing skills required to be able to fight like a pro-boxer come fight day on March 28.
This year all monies raised from the event will benefit the 'Let's Stop Cancer' foundation which provides pratical support for individuals and their families in the Greater Boston area who are dealing with cancer.
Dublin native, Clodagh Fox, has signed up for the event and spoke about her reasons for getting involved “I always set myself a target every year so this boxing match came at a perfect time. I try to do charity work throughout the year so it’s great. I get fit while helping a worthwhile cause!”
Adding “I think cancer affects everyone in some way, my dad died at the age of 41 from liver cancer so I know the pain and devastation it causes families so I'm very proud to be apart of this event! I’m really excited to try something different and to see how far I can push myself and hopefully have a laugh in the process!”
However Fox admits she mightn’t be as enthusiastic when she takes the ring, saying “ I'm not going to lie I'm nervous about the actual fight but hopefully after I've trained enough I'll feel more prepared, right?!”
As well as new faces, the event continues to attract many of it’s previous fighters who return for a second or third round. Donegal native, Michael Roddy, has been a firm fixture with the event since it started, first as a fighter and now helping coach the new intakes.
Roddy said “I used to train at my local boxing club in Inishowen and when Mark asked me to get involved in the first event, it was an easy yes. I’ve been helping out ever since.”
Explaining the type of training participants can expect, Roddy says “ We train the same way as you would back home in Ireland. We start by doing some cardio; followed by pad work to help our fighters learn and perfect their technique. After that, we spend time on some light sparring to mimic the fight itself.”
As well as seeking individuals to take part in the fourth ‘Battle at the Bay, local businesses are also being invited to get involved with the March charity boxing show and companies can sponsor a member of their staff as a competitor or they can sponsor any of the boxers who sign up.
If you would like to attend the January 9 launch which is a FREE event, please contact the committee:
Mark Porter - 617-719-6729; Sean Campell-617 905 9086; Kevin Doherty - 617-435-5145;Eamon Kelly - 617-719-8799; Paddy McDevitt - 617-839-4900;Peter O'Malley - 617-833-8474; Mark Vaz - 508-245-0500 or visit facebook/battleatthebay.
Please note space is limited.
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