The gloves are on as Dudley Council leader faces big fight - in boxing ring, with £30,000 at stake
Dudley Council leader and party colleague go head-to-head in boxing ring to raise £30,000 for mayor’s charity
The gloves are off. Well they’re on actually, as the leader of Dudley Council faces possibly the biggest fight of his career, with £30,000 at stake.
Not only that, but Councillor Patrick Harley is picking a fight with one of his own, as he prepares to take on Conservative colleague Shaz Saleem in the boxing ring.
The big showdown comes on August 21 as 60-year-old Councillor Harley prepares to take on ex-councillor Mr Saleem - 20 years his junior - over six one-minute rounds in aid of the Mayor of Dudley’s charities.
Councillor Faye Barras, who represents Castle & Priory ward on the council, will also be taking part to raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Councillor Harley said this years mayor’s charities were the Alzheimer’s Society, Disability in Action Dudley, Guide Dogs for the Blind, The Gurkha Welfare Trust, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and the Leukaemia Unit Appeal Fund.
He said the appeal normally raised £30,000 to £50,000, but hoped that this event would add an extra £30,000 to the total.#
“I’ve never done anything like this before, although I messed around a bit with it when I was young,” said Councillor Harley.
“In 12 months, I have shed more than five stone and started boxing classes to ensure I attempt to get in reasonable condition.”
He said there would be an undercard with another six bouts, featuring talented local fighters.
Tickets, priced £45 are available on the website boroughhalls.co.uk/the-big-showdown.html, or for £75 VIP ticket holders can enjoy food, and an after-show party at nearby Fun City.
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