BREAKING NEWS

Charity event organised by ERWCB raises more than £3,000

A local Mexborough Butcher and Poundland manager recently swapped their work clothes for boxing gloves and gum shields when they took part in a White-Collar Boxing match in aid of charity.

Zac Perry and Jamie Parkin, who had never put on a pair of gloves in their life until this year, have raised almost £3,000 for the local children's charity, the Dearne Valley Personal Development Centre. They got into the ring at the Empress Building, Mexborough, in the inaugural event organised by Empress Rooms White Collar Boxing, which was over two years in the making after the COVID-19 pandemic halted their initial progress back in early 2020.

The DVPDC children's charity was founded by John and Jackie Irwin in 2012 and is a place of education for young people that have found it difficult to fit into mainstream education. The DVPDC learning program has been tailored to meet their specific needs, and the centre aims to create a positive pathway back into mainstream education or college, by providing an alternative curriculum that will re-engage the most challenging individuals.

Perry and Parkin, both in their 30s, have undergone an eight-week training course for the bout, which included intense training sessions and strict nutritional regimes. Parkin said, “I had never boxed before. Now thanks to this experience, I have learnt some new skills from the boxing coaches, and made some incredible memories, which I will keep forever.” “A friend of mine told me about the charity boxing event and I thought I would give it a go.”

Perry said “The ERWCB initiative hasn’t only helped me to raise vital cash for a local charity, but it’s helped me to get into a much better shape, as I have lost 3 stone in weight, which is nice. I would recommend getting involved to anybody.”

Parkin and Perry both added: “We were training four to 3 to 4 days a week for the last couple of months in preparation, and with the weight we lost between us, we were well prepared on the night.”

The pair of heavy weights, both weighing in at over 20 stone, slugged it out in front of a full house of supporters on the 4th of June 2022 at the Empress Building in the Ballroom, in the Main Event of the night.

The first round went Zac Perry’s way, as Parkin went down after being hit with a huge right, and took a count of 10. The second round was even, with both fighters showing some of the skills they had picked up. Jamie Parkin took the last round, knocking Perry over who also took a count of 10. Both boxers displayed guts, stamina and determination to finish the match on their feet, and the judges had a tough decision to make, but they finally called a draw.

The principle of the boxing event, and founder of the children’s charity, is ex British and Olympic Gold Medal boxing champion John Jo Irwin, who said, “The evening went well. It was a great controlled atmosphere and I’m really pleased with how well both fighters performed. They both should be really proud.” Owner of the Empress Building and CEO of Gala Tent, Jason Mace said, “It’s great to see so many get involved and retain funds for charity whilst getting into the shape of their lives, I can’t wait for the next event.”

Other undercard fights on the night were Tyler “Big Hitter” Talaga VS Adam “KO King” Wright. Which went the full 3 rounds Talaga winning.

Kim Wild Winters Vs Kyle Gunner Faulkner, also going the full 3 rounds with Winters being declared winner.

These events are held at the recently refurbished historic Empress Building, Mexborough. The ballroom provides an amazing venue, and the high, ornate ceilings creates a wonderful atmosphere. The building, which dates to the 1920s, was built to mirror the great dance halls in places such as Blackpool and for decades it was the hub of social activity in the area.

You can watch the big fight below.