The Lord Mayor of London is squaring up for a fight.
Alderman Alastair King DL has installed a full-size boxing ring inside the Egyptian Hall at Mansion House — the first time Mansion House has had such an honour, it’s believed — as he prepares to bob and weave against a New York fireman.
This is not, though, a classic British-American grudge match. Instead, King is lacing up the gloves in the name of charity.
The Lord Mayor’s Fire Fight Night — try saying that with a gumshield in — will take place on October 8 at Guildhall. The black tie evening is raising funds for The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, The Firefighters Charity, and Carney’s Community, a youth charity that uses boxing to help disadvantaged young people and ex-offenders find purpose and discipline.
The ring in Mansion House is for King to train in; he will top the card as he faces a firefighter from across the pond in an exhibition match. The moment is historic; it will mark the first time a Lord Mayor has taken part in active combat while in office since the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381.
Alongside King’s punch-up will be six bouts of white collar boxing between the FDNY (New York City Fire Department) boxing team and the London Fire Brigade fighters. The London squad has been trained by Fitzroy Lodge ABC, a highly respected amateur club from Lambeth that works closely with Carney’s Community. The event is being supported by Bloomberg.
The Lord Mayor of London said of his training: “I’m absolutely thrilled that a boxing ring has been installed in Mansion House — it’s not every day you get to swap the ceremonial robes for boxing gloves.
“Training here will ensure I’m ready for my upcoming bout at the Lord Mayor of London’s Fire Fight Night on 8 October, all in support of an incredible cause.”
Alongside the boxing itself, a number of the sport’s greatest fighters will be in attendance, including two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton MBE, and former British Commonwealth middleweight champion Michael Watson MBE. Also in attendance will be Barry Hearn OBE, the famous sports promoter.
Besides the fights and the chance to brush shoulders with boxing royalty, those in attendance will sit down for a black-tie dinner, live auction and silent auction. Tables will be available from £2,500, with individual tickets from £275.
The Lord Mayor’s Fire Fight Night takes place on October 8 at Guildhall. For more information, visit thelordmayorsappeal.org
