UPDATE (25/11/2019) – EVENT CANCELLED
A charity white collar boxing event aimed at the LGBT+ community is coming to Liverpool in late November – and for those interested in taking part, a few places are still available!
On Friday November 29, North West-based event planning company MCB Events will host the LGBT Boxing Night – the first of its kind to be held in the city region – in aid of the organisation’s chosen charities, National AIDS Trust (NAT) and Stonewall.
The evening starts at 7pm and will feature boxing bouts consisting of three 90-second rounds each, with all participants being LGBT+. No previous experience is required, and all participants will benefit from free training ahead of fight night.
There are already 16 contenders signed up for the event at Hanger 34 on Greenland Street in the Baltic Triangle in Liverpool city centre, many of whom have never boxed before.
A percentage of all ticket sales will go directly to the charities, and all participants will be given sponsorship forms to raise money as well. There will also be a charity raffle for spectators to get involved in, and an online form where other donations can be made.
Speaking about the event, which is taking place during the ‘Come Out Active’ week of Stonewall’s annual Rainbow Laces campaign activation, organiser Martin Burke said: “I decided to set up this event after speaking to someone from the LGBT+ community who was interested in white collar boxing, but wanted to have a bout against somebody else who was LGBT+.
“I looked into it, and there were no other shows about that focused just on LGBT+ participants, so I decided to organise one that would raise money for some fantastic LGBT+ charities, as well as giving people in the community a chance to take part in something that they normally wouldn’t have thought about doing.
“The response to the show has been very positive, with businesses offering to sponsor the show and plenty of people wanting to take part or come along and watch.
“There are still participant spaces available and we’d encourage anyone interested to get in touch – it’s a brilliant opportunity to try something new and raise money for some fantastic causes at the same time.”
Anyone wishing to participate can send a message via Facebook or Instagram @MCBEvents, email Martin on mclb85@gmail.com, or call 07387 866940.
Tickets cost £20 and are available to purchase online via Eventbrite or directly from MCB Events. Some tickets will be available on the door, but due to high interest in the show, spectators are advised to buy in advance to avoid disappointment. Click here for the Facebook event.
With thanks to Nikki Girvan and LCR Pride
How are you supporting Rainbow Laces? Read our article here for information on how to get involved, or to promote your activity