Seconds out for big night at the Valley

Buy photos » Redditch’s Jimmy Moran is preparing to take on former two time world heavyweight boxing champion Tim Witherspoon. Picture by Ian Dipple. (s)

REDDITCH boxing hero Jimmy Moran is promising to put on a show in one of the biggest night's of sport in the town's history when he takes on a former two time world champion.

The Batchley boy will square up against ex-WBC title holder Tim Witherspoon in front of hundreds of people at Redditch United's Valley Stadium home next Saturday (July 28).

It will be the first time in 25 years Moran has stepped inside the ring after quitting the fight game after winning the ABA heavyweight title in 1987 after beating Henry Akinwinde, who went on to become IBF world heavyweight champion.

But the 49-year-old former commonwealth light heavyweight gold medallist is undaunted at the prospect of taking on his American heavyweight opponent who was a sparring partner of Muhammed Ali.

"I've watched his last couple of fights and I am quite excited and looking forward to it. At 55 he's a bit older than me but he's been heavyweight champion of the world twice and it's a once in a lifetime opportunity I'll never get again and so you have got to grab it with both hands.

"I've met Tim and he's a lovely man and what will be will be and let's enjoy ourselves. Just knowing he has done 12 rounds with the best in the world and he was one of them is enough to get you motivated. It's going to be awesome."

Moran only started training at Lakeside based Viking Boxing and Fitness Club in January, which is also putting on the event.

"I joined to lose weight like most people do after Christmas and the next thing I know they say I'll get you a fight and it's ex-world champ Tim Witherspoon. Now I'm back in the ring with these young kids in here chasing them around and I'm scratching my head thinking what am I doing?"

Laurence O'Connor, who runs Viking Boxing and Fitness Club and himself a former Midlands champion, is also fighting on the night.

"There's been huge interest in the fight, it's the talk of the town and it's going to be a massive night for Redditch," he said.

On the night there will be a showcase of 'Fast and Furious' type cars from Midland Just Cruising as well as bouncy castles, fair rides and an array of food including from Champagne Express, one of the event's sponsors, and a pig roast. There will also be live music and performances.

Tickets cost £10 standing, £20 seated, £5 for under-12s and £50 for the VIP area. All proceeds from the night will be donated to St Mary's Hospice in Birmingham (not SADS UK as originally stated).

Tickets are available from Viking Boxing and Fitness Club on 01527 523861 or Redditch United on 01527 67450.

Regional news »