SOUTHEND United’s chief executive Tara Brady is ready to swap the boardroom for the boxing ring.
The 43-year-old has been preparing for next month’s fight against Tilbury’s Jamie Westlake at the Team Sure Grip base in Westcliff.
And he is beginning to feel quite anxious about the bout.
“This fight is with 10-ounce not 16-ounce gloves like I’m used to, there are also no headguards and they are full three-minute rounds – so of course I’m nervous,” said Brady.
“It’s been hard to fit training in around working with the football club but the guys at TSG have been working me hard.”
The fight is taking place to raise funds for the SCAT Bone Cancer Trust, a charity close to Brady’s heart after his nine-year-old daughter Addie was diagnosed with primary bone cancer of the tibia and ankle.
Other boxing matches will also be taking place alongside Brady’s at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, in Eastern Avenue, South-end, on Saturday July 2, along with a card of mixed martial arts action.
Members of Blues’ first team squad will attendend the eent and they will follow in Brady’s foot-steps during their pre-season training schedule.
“Laurence Bloom, our fitness coach, has the players all doing boxing conditioning work with TSG when they report back for pre-season,” said Brady. “It’s something a bit different for them but will certainly get them in good shape.”
Tickets for the fights are priced at £28 for standard seats or £38 for a VIP package that includes a buffet, VIP bar and the best view in the house. Tickets are on sale from Southend United’s ticket office or by ringing 08444 770077 with a percentage of each ticket sold going to the SCAT Bone Cancer Trust.
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