Excitement levels are building for two local men as they edge closer to their Ultra White Collar Boxing debuts at King Power Stadium this Sunday.
To raise funds for the LCFC Foxes Foundation, the brave but inexperienced duo of Stephen Keightley and Jim Fountain will be getting their gloves on to take part in their first ever boxing matches on 22 March.
The event, which sees volunteers embark upon a gruelling but enjoyable eight-week training camp, pits the budding young fighters against each other in the ring for three two-minute rounds.
Ultra White Collar Boxing is a phenomenon that has been sweeping the country thanks to its ability to let people not only test themselves but also improve their fitness drastically thanks to their expert trainers.
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" ><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" >Stephen, who served in the British Army in Iraq, has never fought before but was delighted at the way his preparations had been going ahead of the big night. </div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" ><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" >“I’m quite nervous now, but I’m also keen to get it over and done with,” he told Foxes Player. “We’re all here to raise some money for charity. </div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" ><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" >“You never know how it will go until on the night! I’ve always kept fit around boxing, and I’ve a few friends that have turned professional, but unfortunately they won’t be in the ring with me!” </div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" ><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" >That nervous excitement was echoed by Stephen’s training partner Jim, who was enticed by the prospect of raising money for some worthy causes. </div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" ><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" >He said: “I’m a primary school teacher and the charities that The LCFC Foxes Foundation have chosen this year are really close to my heart. </div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" ><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" >“I work with a lot of children who have special needs, so I’d love to raise money for those charities. </div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" ><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" >“I’m a little bit anxious at the moment, but at the same time really excited. I feel very confident in the training that I’ve been taking part in and I’m confident in myself. Regardless of the outcome, I think it’ll be a very good night.” </div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" ><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" >To make your donation and show your appreciation for the efforts of both fighters, donate at JustGiving.</div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" ><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" ><strong>Stephen: <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/stephenkeightley" target="_blank">www.justgiving.com/stephenkeightley</a> </strong></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" ><br /></div><div ><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Jim:</strong><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/jimfountain" target="_blank"><strong>www.justgiving.com/jimfountain</strong></a></span></span></div><div ><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.player.lcfc.com" target="_blank"><img xlink:href="tcm:0-1902668" title="FoxesPlayer_BottomBanner" alt="FoxesPlayer_BottomBanner" style="width: 480px; height: 100px;" xlink:title="FoxesPlayer_BottomBanner" /></a><br /></span></span></div>