Was it Mohamed Ali who said boxing was about a bunch of white guys in black tie watching two black guys beat each other up? Thanks to the ingenuity of London boxing promoters, Mayfair Sporting Club and National Sporting Club can now offer something very like this to companies looking for novel forms of corporate entertainment.
The partnership will co-promote four events at the Caf Royal in Regent Street. “The business community is always looking for innovative ideas when it comes to entertaining clients,” says Mayfair Sporting Club promoter Michael Helliet. “The format of our boxing events is perfect for corporate hospitality – from the champagne reception, through the boxing itself, to the after-show party. It’s difficult to imagine any other sporting event that offers such luxurious surroundings, opportunities for interaction, fine food and wine, and all while remaining so close to the live action.”
The first show takes place on 4 November, is in support of ex-boxers’ charity, Triumph Over Adversity, with a second event in celebration of Burns night to follow on 27 January 2005.
Former World Lightweight Champion – and the charity’s founder – Colin Dynamo Dunne will be guest of honour for the November show. Having retired from boxing last year, he is now a Sky Sports boxing expert.
“I have been involved with many dinner boxing nights, but Michael’s business approach has pushed dinner boxing on to a whole new level,” says Dunne. “His events offer a great night out and his November show will provide an ideal platform to raise funds for our TOA charity.”
The Mayfair Sporting Club was formed by Michael Helliet in 2003. He boxed as an amateur winning two national titles, holds a degree in law and is fluent in French. As well as running the MSC he also manages a successful stable of British based professional boxers.
“The National Sporting Club has been the showcase of Britain’s best young boxers for over 100 years,” saus National Sporting Club Chairman David Willis. “We are very pleased to promote some top class events with one of Britain’s brightest young promoters.”
The National Sporting Club was founded in 1891, by the fifth Earl of Lonsdale and the Marquis of Queensberry. The Club introduced the world famous Queensberry Rules to professional boxing, staging historic fights in central London and improving the integrity of the sport in an earlier era.