THE nicknames were suspect but the fights were ferocious at Reading’s latest Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB) and mixed martial arts (MMA) event.
A packed card included unusual names such as Jamie ‘HDMI’ Cable, ‘King Prawn’ and ‘The Limp Noodle’. But despite the bizarre boxing monikers, more than 40 three-round bouts delivered thrills aplenty for an excitable crowd of hundreds.
‘Ultra’ charity events see complete beginners train as boxers or MMA fighters for eight weeks before they’re pitted against each other in the ring.
Lewis Ludlow, 23, from Earley, was among those duking it out at Hampshire Hotel & Spa in Basingstoke on Saturday, July 15th.
The Assistant Manager from Highdown Sports & Leisure edged his second round with a barrage of precision jabs but suffered standing eight counts in the first and third rounds, losing him the decision.
Lewis trained up to 10 times a week at Shaolin Tigers Martial Arts (STMA) in Scours Lane, Tilehurst.
Despite it being his first fight, he was surprisingly calm before the bell.
He said: “I was just focused. [When you get in there] nothing else matters – it’s just you and him. No one can save you. It’s the ultimate form of accountability.”
The UWCB programme includes free, intensive training at STMA – Reading, and encourages participants to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
One fighter lost 20kg in the run-up to the event. Others reported improved mental health and core strength.
Lewis said: “Boxing is one of the hardest sports you can ever do. If you are going to do UWCB, you can’t do it by half measures.”
Mum-of-two Gemma Hughes, 38, a Pharmacy Technician from Whitley, emerged victorious after her own contest.
The five foot, two inches brawler couldn’t do a plank before signing up but was soon coached to fight-level fitness.
She said: “It’s hard. They push you but in a supportive way.
“It’s quite emotional at the end of the fight. You know what the other person is feeling.”
STMA Reading boxing coach Graham Corker said: “We couldn’t be prouder of the participants. They’ve pushed themselves to the absolute limit, making themselves physically and mentally fitter in the process.”
Marta Thompson, Ultra Event Co-Ordinator, said: “It was a great event where fighters showed real grit and determination – not just in the ring but also in their efforts to fundraise to fight cancer.”
