Bradford to host Yorkshire v Ireland boxing event at Midland Hotel

That Friday, February 3 fight night is the brainchild of Leroy Brown, the founder of Sharky’s Amateur Boxing Academy in Leeds, and the ‘young talents’ from Yorkshire will come from across the county, including a healthy contingent from Bradford.

Brown told the T&A: “I’ve been doing big events for 30 years for charity, and I know everyone in Bradford couldn’t wait for me to come and do something here.

“This will be a big thing for everybody and the Yorkshire boxers are coming from all over, including Bradford itself.

“Everybody is getting a piece of the pie, which was what I wanted from this.”

The night, which also includes food and a DJ, will help raise money for Sharky’s, as well as other boxing clubs in Yorkshire, with Brown insisting the sport can play a big role in the community, especially in Bradford.

He said: “We’ve got plenty of sponsors for the event, like Jinnah Restaurant, so we’re happy with that, and I’m happy to be going back to Bradford too.

“I’ve been before and I’ve always wished the best for the community there.

“They’ve had it hard at times, and I hope people can follow up what I’m doing in terms of boxing.

“I want there to be good things for the area and show there’s a better life out there for people who’ve maybe gone down the wrong path in life.

“It’s not easy to go straight, but it’s definitely worth it.”

It is set to be a bumper occasion at the Midland next month, with Brown saying: “It’s all about the community enjoying themselves, and there are lots of people coming, about 200 from Leeds alone.

“The hotel have been on to me, worried it might get too busy, but I’ve reassured them.”

Laughing, he added: “Why do they need to worry when they’ll be getting all that money behind the bar?

“If I only brought 10 people along, we’d never be asked back for an event again, but they’ll be getting plenty of coin from this too.”

The young Irish boxers on the night should present a sizeable challenge to their Yorkshire counterparts.

Brown said: “I’ve told my boys that they’ll have to step up their game if they want to beat some of the best Ireland has to offer.

“I want them to set their stall out to beat these people, as ultimately we want the public to see some really good boxing on the night, as they’ve paid good money to come and watch.

“I wanted to help the Irish boxing community out by inviting them over, because they weren’t sure how to get across, and I’ve sorted out permits to allow them to travel.”

Another Irish person set to be in attendance at the Midland is former professional boxer Derek Roche, who won the British Welterweight title outright in 1999.

Brown also expects Bobby Vanzie to be there, with the Bradford boxing legend famous in the UK for holding the British Lightweight title between 1998 and 2003.

He has teased other well-known names in the boxing world, but wanted to keep them a secret for now.

The poster advertising next month's event. (Image: UGC.)

Entry for the event is £15, with VIP ringside tickets and a table buffet costing £25.

Doors open on the night at 6:30pm, with the boxing getting underway from 8:30pm.