Razor set to trim Rocky

Razor set to trim Rocky

22 October 2014

THE talking is almost over as two of Down Council’s political heavyweights prepare to slug it out in the boxing ring this Friday night in aid of charity.

The DUP’s Billy ‘Rocky’ Walker and the SDLP’s Terry ‘Razor’ Andrews go head-to-head at Killyleagh’s Bridge Centre in what’s being billed as the biggest boxing contest of the year.

To add a little more spice to the event — which includes an undercard featuring a number of young amateur boxers — MPs Jim Shannon and Margaret Ritchie have weighed in with their support for the two councillors, confident their man will emerge victorious.

Mr. Shannon is backing Councillor Walker, while Miss Ritchie is supporting for her fellow SDLP colleague Councillor Andrews. The Strangford MP believes his man has all the attributes to win the contest to be crowned King of Rowallane and will surprise his opponent on the night.

“Billy has no intention of coming second and while he and Terry are great pals, that friendship will go out the window on Friday night. Billy intends flying the flag for Killyleagh and will no doubt be cheered on by a great crowd,” he said.

Mr. Shannon said while the boxing contest will be light-hearted, the important thing is that it will raise money for two worthy causes — the PIPS suicide awareness organisation and Killyleagh’s Youth -In project.

Miss Ritchie believes her man can win the big fight and has commended the two politicians for stepping into the ring in the name of charity.

“I have every confidence Terry will win what should be an intriguing contest. Both Terry and Billy deserve credit for doing something different to capture people’s attention and to raise money for two extremely good causes,” she added.

As for the boxers themselves, they have served up a few final big-match predictions in a bid to unsettle their opponent.

Councillor Walker, who will be sporting a pair of Union flag shorts, has dismissed his opponent, promising the fight will be over quickly.

“Everybody has a plan until they get punched and my advice to Terry is to duck and dive as much as he can. There’s only going to be one winner and my opponent knows that,” he declared.

“The fight’s already in the bag. I will be disciplined and controlled and Terry will be feeling the full weight of my punching power.

“Part of me feels sorry for him as he’s no idea what’s coming. I’m like a wound up spring, ready to be set loose.”

Councillor Andrews has had a special costume made for Friday night’s fight, but is refusing to give anything away about the colour or the design. He said people will have to wait until he steps into the ring.

As for his opponent, he says there will be no “pussy-footing around” and that Councillor Walker will discover a new delicacy on Friday night — the taste of canvas!

“Billy has been talking a lot in the build-up to the fight but there is only going to one winner — me. I am confident my special training will pay off and that the council chairman will be seeing a few stars after I have landed several hefty blows,” Councillor Andrews predicted.

He added: “I hope the council chairman is ready to end up on the seat of those big Union flag pants of his as I intend to put him down early.”

• Tickets for the big fight are available from Barratt’s Newsagents and TJ’s in Killyleagh.