Boxing champion Steve Collins makes special appearance at local event

Photo: Alpha Photography

Mick Mulchay from Wildhouse Boxing Gym at the fundraising event with boxer Steve Collins

Former WBO middleweight and super middleweight boxing champion, the Celtic warrior Steve Collins made a special appearance at an event held at Wildhouse Boxing Gym.

Ninety people attended the event, organised by Mick Mulchay to raise money for the gym to purchase affiliation fees, head guards and gloves amongst other things.

Mick, who is an ex professional boxer himself, said: “It was excellent. It was a really good night. 

"Steve was a proper gentleman. He didn't leave until 01:15am having spent time having photos taken and signing autographs.”

Collins also talked to guests about his time as a boxer and donated £240 to the gym out of his own money. This will help pay for the gyms affiliation fees.

Held at the Soccer Village in Milnrow, Rochdale the event included an auction, live comedy, disco and party and a three course meal, donated to the event by Soccer Village.

Mick hopes to have raised almost £700 but is still waiting to confirm the grand total.

He said: “We need to buy head guards and gloves and they are expensive when you need two sets so the money will help with things like that.”

Wildhouse Boxing Gym has been open for two years and provides gym classes for people of all ages including female keep fit on a Wednesday, junior classes throughout the week and weekends and one-on-one sessions.

Mick intends running more fundraising events in the near future and hopes to involve Steve Collins and Nigel Benn at another event.

Mick added: “We definitely want to do more events but I don’t think we can top this one. It was such a good night.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the gym or anyone wanting to sponsor the gym for a year can contact Mick on 07525 084 430.