A CHARITY boxing night in Northwich helped raise £5000 for St Luke’s Hospice.

Northwich Police, supported by New Era Boxing Club and Winnington Park Rugby club, put on the boxing event in a large marquee on the rugby pitch on Saturday, June 10.

It was the fifth charity boxing event organised by Insp Dave Snasdell, and the first in five years.

A number of boxing clubs were represented on the night, including Ward Degnams from Darlington.

The show had a wide range of participants from the youngest at 10 years old to the oldest, who is a member of Winnington Park Rugby Club, Mark Phoenix, 38.

Insp Dave Snasdell, who helped organize the event, said: “Everyone who attended thought it was a great night.

“There were some great bouts on, particularly Mark Phoenix.

“He has played regularly for the rugby club since he was a lad. He decided in February to train to box to get on the event.

“His daughter suffered with cancer so he trained hard to get fit to fight on the night.”

Mark was paired up with former Warrington Wolves player, Graham Moorehouse, who was fighting out of Phoenix Fire in Warrington.

Insp Snasdell said: “This was like a scene from the Rocky movie – the underdog taking on the far more experienced boxer who was 20 years his junior.

“At heavyweight, both boxers set a fierce pace to the excitement of the home crowd who were spurring Phoenix on.

“Warming to the occasion, Phoenix increased the pressure on Moorehouse who was instructed to ‘keep boxing’ and not get involved within a ‘brawl.’

“Ever eager to keep the pressure on Phoenix continued forwards looking to assert himself on his opponent.

“Moorehouse however used this to his advantage and was able to catch Phoenix as he moved forwards with single, accurate shots that were spotted by the judges who awarded him the decision.”

A number of New Era boxers fought on the night, including Willis Roe, Raul Comorasu and Kane Farghlay.

Around £7000 was raised on the night, with £5000 being donated to St Luke’s.

The events have helped raise more than £40,000 for various charities over the years.

Insp Snasdell is set to retire from the police at the end of this year but said he still intends to organise another charity boxing event next year.

He said: “If anyone wants to train up to fight then contact New Era Boxing or myself.”