Fancy being crowned 'King of the Ring'?
The dazzling lights of Las Vegas has long been associated with the cream of world boxing talent. From Muhammed Ali to modern day greats of the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jnr, Oscar de la Hoya and Manny Pacquiao, the densely populated Nevada state city has, for decades, provided a stage like no other.
Next month however that same sense of pageantry will be translated to the Longford Arms Hotel ahead of a unique white collar 'King of the Ring' boxing event.
The eagerly awaited event is being flagged jointly by Rehab and Longford Boxing Club as part of a concerted drive to ensure the future of the club in the short term.
One of its organisers and Rehab Community Fundraiser Niall Cole urged as many budding boxing stars from the locality to sign up to the challenge.
"This is a great opportunity for a person to challenge themselves in the ultimate arena. We have all danced around the TV to Rocky films, assured of our natural boxing talents, but the reality is very different. Not only is this a great chance to learn the skills from the best trainers, but it's also an opportunity to improve your fitness level," he said.
The date itself has been set for Saturday March 27 with novice and beginner boxers taking part. Ten bouts are scheduled along with a live MC, music and all the customary splendour linked to a boxing extravaganza of this kind in Vegas.
On a more sobering note, Seamus Butler, Longford Boxing Club Chairperson underlined the graphic financial constraints the club is facing.
"We are literally hand to mouth and it's only for the good grace of our landlord Vincent Casey that is keeping us there," he confessed when asked about the long term status of its present home along the town's Great Water Street. "On any one night we would have 20 or 30 fellas training, two or three nights a week. It's a great outlet for them and it would be a shame if there wasn't a boxing club in Longford. It's really all about survival."
Anyone interested in taking part in the event which is also being supported by the Acorn Community Development Project should contact Niall Cole on 086 043 2267 or email niall.cole@rehab.ie
For tickets contact Niall or Josephine Stroker on 087 638 3741.
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Weather for Longford, Ireland
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
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