VIDEO: The countdown to the bell starts now

Wednesday 05 October 2016

Final preparations are in place for this Saturday's BoxInBusiness white collar show with all 20 fighters raring to go at the Royal Jersey Showgrounds in Trinity.

The boxers will all take part in front of special guest Anthony Crolla, who earlier this month lost his world lightweight title in a titanic clash against Jose Linares in front of a full house at the Manchester Arena.

Nathan Taylor, pictured above, is one of the four going into the 'Real Contender' mini-tournament, which will pit himself against three other fighters. The format is two semi-finals, followed by a final and it is a separate competition to the other eight bouts on the night.  

Mr Taylor, 32, who starts his new position as Senior Trust Manager at Sanne in November, is a former semi-professional footballer with Telford United, but boxing is in his blood.  

He said: "My Dad fought in the forces and was a really decent amateur, so I have followed the sport all my life. When I was younger football got in the way so I never really boxed, but I'm making up for it now."  

"Boxing is such a great sport. I love the training even though it is really tough. We went up the sand dunes a few weeks ago and it was a killer. I did a white collar boxing show in 2013 but the training this time has been a lot harder. We are all getting fitter and we are technically all better at it, so it should make for a very entertaining night."

This weekend's show is a sell out and Mr Taylor is determined to win the 'Real Contender' mini-series, but he admits the competition is intense.

"Matty Hill is technically very good, Tom Le Seuer is probably naturally the strongest out of us four and Andrew Rafferty is very, very slick. They will all punish you if you make a mistake, but of course, I'm backing myself to win it. I'd love to be the 'Real Contender' champion. It is all for charity so everyone will be a winner, regardless of who is the champion on the night."

BoxInBusiness coach Ben Murray said: "Having Anthony Crolla come back makes it a very special occasion as he impressed everyone when he came here in May for our previous show. I was delighted he agreed to return as he is such a credit to the sport and his enthusiasm and professionalism shone through last time.

"It is a sold-out, cracking show and I know everyone will enjoy it and most importantly, there will be a lot of money raised for charity."

Pictured below and in main picture is Tom Le Seuer, who will be taking part in the Real Contender on October 8th. Mr Taylor said: "Tom is as hard as nails, a proper tough lad, as is everyone who steps into the ring. It will be very competitive this weekend, but nobody ever forgets that it is also fun. "