BOXING: THE BOROUGH’s best semi-pro fighters are in the final stages of preparing for what promises to be a brilliant night’s boxing at Grays Civic Hall.

The ‘Brawl in the Hall’ will be held on Saturday February 22 and is being organised by Lee Eaton.

A total of 12 bouts – including five for titles – will feature local talent from Grays, Stanford, Chadwell and Romford.

It’s sure to be a well attended night of boxing action. Eaton said: “The main event is involving a local man, Chadwell St Mary’s James Benson.

“He’ll be taking on undefeated Charlie Shane from Kent.

“They are going for the vacant EBA Southern Area title, and it promises to be a great fight.”

The battle will be over four two minute rounds. “Benson is the EBA’s prizefighter champion which he won in September 2013,” he added. He has made a return to boxing after 16 years out.

In the past – as a schoolboy – the fighter even took on a very young Ricky Hatton in the semi-final of the Schoolboys Championships.

Eaton said: “He lost that one, but only lost out to a great fighter.”

The card: James Benson v Charlie Shane (Kent).

James Biddlecombe (Romford - no club) v Rickie Talbot (from South Ockendon, Aveley Kickboxing Club). Pel Scopes (from Grays, Aveley Kickboxing Club) v TBA. James Rixson (from Grays, Aveley Kickboxing Club) v Ellis Clark (from Corringham, Spartans Gym). Alfie Petty (from Canvey, Canvey Island Gym) v Rob Apps. James Banks (Grays,Aveley Kickboxing) v Jake Butler (Romford, no club).

Ant Lane (Purfleet, Euro fitness gym in Basildon) v Dan Cross (Romford, no club). Danny Blundell (Chadwell, Corringham TSG) v Leon Bumpstead (from Stanford le Hope, no club).

Jarod Wingrove (Stanford, no club v Joe Hunt from Stanford le hope, Spartans gym). Reggie Coffey (Dagenham, Aveley Kickboxing Club) v TBA.

Richard Farrow (Grays, Aveley Kickboxing Club) vs Dan Parks (from Romford, no club). Scott Moakes v Scott Ridley (Kent Armours Gym). Sponsors are Lee Rawlings at RBE-FIGHT WEAR www.ringsideboxingequipment.co.uk

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