Charity to benefit after politicians take to ring

Charity to benefit after politicians take to ring

16 July 2014

TWO political heavyweights are to slug it out in the boxing ring to see who will be crowned King of Rowallane.

In the red corner, boxing out of Killyleagh, is the DUP’s Billy “Rocky” Walker, while in the green corner, boxing out of Crossgar, is the SDLP’s Terry “Razor” Andrews.

Both politicians, who have unblemished records as they get ready to rumble in the name of charity this October, are known for not pulling any punches when the going gets touch in the debating chamber.

Now they have a chance to see what they can do with a pair of boxing gloves in front of a captive audience at the Bridge Community Centre as they raise money for the Killyleagh Youth -In, a project that takes young people off the streets.

While the local politicians won’t quite be floating like butterflies and stinging like bees, sources close to the Walker camp have confirmed his training is going well, with a daily fry on the menu as part of his rigorous preparations.

There is also mounting speculation that Walker will be sporting Union Flag shorts when he takes to the ring, but no word yet on what music will accompany his walk from the dressing room. The Recorder understands Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger has been suggested in keeping with the Rocky theme.

The Andrews camp meanwhile is refusing to reveal what their boxer will be wearing on the night and is confident their man will come out on top in what is being billed as the “battle of the bellies.”

Andrews has been seen pounding the paths around Delamont Country Park as he steps up his big-fight preparations and as for his choice music, his opponent has suggested Wham’s Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.

There will be no pre-fight weigh-in to protect both men’s modesty but, in true boxing tradition, the two councillors are getting into the spirit of things with some pre-match hype.

Walker, who rates himself as the best pound for pound fighter in Down Council’s debating chamber and no stranger to the odd political scrap, is confident he will emerge the champion.

“As a highly regarded heavyweight I hope fight fans won’t be too disappointed if the contest is over pretty quickly. I’m quick on my feet for a big man and a couple of early blows should finish the job,” he said.

“Like any good heavyweight, my preparations for the big fight will be meticulous. As a finely tuned athlete I know I will be ready when the bell goes. I might not be heavyweight champion of the world, but King of Rowallane will do nicely for me.”

Walker said his opponent needs to watch out as “he’s coming to get him,” adding: “No doubt news of the fight will raise a few eyebrows, once I’m in the ring I’ll be raising Razor’s eyebrows with a few of my jabs and infamous right hook.”

Andrews has warned that “friendship will count for nothing” when he enters the ring for the main event and aims to deliver a knock out blow.

“I won’t be falling for any of Rocky’s pre-match hype. I prefer to do my talking in the ring. I’ve seen Walker shadow box and the shadow won, so I should have no problems,” he joked.

“I heard Billy wanted to be a boxer when he was a younger but they couldn’t find a big enough gumshield. My opponent may talk the talk, but I’ll be the one walking the walk in the ring. He has no idea what’s in store for him.”

Andrews said while it’s hard to be humble when you are as good as he is, he hopes his political opponent will still be talking to him when he wakes up.

He added: “Walker has everything a boxer needs except speed, poise, stamina, a punch, and ability to take punishment. He has a glass jaw which I plan to shatter. If I were him, I would be getting my excuses in early. He has no chance, Razor has this fight in the bag.”