Walsall’s former British lightweight boxing champion Martin Gethin will step into a ring tonight for his first bout since retiring more than seven years ago.
But this time it will be for fun as he ‘fights’ 13-year-old Tommy Brown in the seventh annual Well Wishers charity boxing event, at Rushall Labour Club.
Tommy, from Beechdale, is an amputee after losing limbs due to meningitis when he was a toddler in 2012. He also has lordosis, an abnormal inward curvature of the spine.
Despite losing the lower half of both legs and his right arm below the elbow, the Streetly Academy student has been training at Martin’s Wild Star gym in Aldridge.
The West Bromwich Albion fan will strap on his prosthetic legs and climb between the ropes to face the ex-British and England 10 stone champ for three, one-minute rounds before an expectant crowd.
Tommy, who will be second on the bill of eight expected bouts, has developed a love of the sport, and his determination not to let his disabilities affect him has floored Martin.
Martin, who turns 41 next week and is the charity’s patron, said: “When Tommy’s mum and dad told him about getting in the ring with me, his face lit up.
“His mum Julie told me that because of his condition, he feels he has no friends.
“So I thought if we could get him in the ring and get the crowd shouting for him, it would give him such a buzz that it will give him a real lift.
“He’s been watching the Rocky films at home, and he’s also watched moves from Jack Dempsey and Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns so we’ve been practising all of those and he’s done really well.
“I’ll be all kitted out and I’m looking forward to seeing Tommy’s face light up.”
Proud dad Dean, 39, who will be accompanied by partner and Tommy’s mum Julie, 49, said: “We’re excited but nervous. Tommy is amazing – he’s willing to give everything a try.
“We have no idea where his love of boxing comes from but every time I pass his bedroom, he’s watching boxing videos.”
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager for Well Wishers, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing Tommy in the ring – hopefully he can land a few friendly blows to thank Martin for the training he’s received! It should be another great night.”
Last year’s event was a sell-out and £3,230 was raised towards new toys and equipment for the Children’s Ward at Walsall Manor Hospital.
This year, the Complex Dementia & Delirium Team will be the beneficiaries.
Tickets are still on sale in the Fundraising Hub at Walsall Manor Hospital and cost £15, including buffet, or can be bought online here. Limited tickets will be available on the door, which opens at 7pm. The first fight is at 8.15pm.