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Clitheroe boxer set for ring return
KNOCK OUT?: Daniel Ridgway in action
CLITHEROE boxer and fitness expert Daniel Ridgway will take on fellow welterweight fighter Malcolm “Maly” Richardson in a rematch which will see Ridgway once again face the toughest opponent of his boxing career.
Scheduled for this Saturday, the championship bout will take place at the Holiday Inn, Bolton, home town of Amir Khan.
Daniel, who will come out of retirement to face Richardson, is confident that the outcome will be in his favour.
He commented: “I had a phone call in November from Elite Boxing in Bolton asking if I would like to box at their show in February, and after losing my last fight, I knew that I couldn’t finish my career on a loss.
“I then found out that my opponent would be Maly, who had previously beaten me at a big fight at the Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool, and knew I had to go all-out for the rematch. I’ve promised a knockout to all my friends and family who are coming to support me and that’s just what I’ll do.”
Daniel, who is a personal trainer at Carter Leisure in Clitheroe and also runs his own business Ridgway Fitness, explained that now he knows he’s fighting Richardson, his training has taken on a whole new intensity and focus.
He continued: “I’m training harder than ever before. I’m on a strict diet of protein and complex carbs to lose 8lbs. I start my day at 6 a.m. with a run of four to six miles or a spinning class. During my dinner hour I’ve been doing eight rounds of pads with a friend of mine who runs a gym in Great Harwood, and then it’s back to the gym at 6-30 p.m. for sparring and circuits.
“I’m fitter and stronger than I’ve ever been before a fight and despite Maly’s comments on Facebook and Twitter, he doesn’t stand a chance of winning this time round.”
During their last meeting, Richardson won on points, with Daniel incurring a fractured rib and a perforated eardrum amongst other injuries. After a short break to recover, Daniel went on to win his next four fights, then draw one and lose one.
Although Daniel, who is dad to Henry (6) and Jack (4), is determined to win on Saturday, there’ll be a couple of familiar faces missing from the ringside on fight night. He explained: “My wife Emma and parents hate the fact that I box, but have always supported me in doing my best in the sport. Unfortunately, my mum and dad have said they can’t face attending this fight as they were at my last bout with Richardson and think I’m crazy to even think about getting into the ring with him again. My wife feels the same, but unfortunately, she can’t get out of coming with me!”
A coachload of family and friends will join Daniel on the night and he is grateful for all the well wishes he has received: “I’m really lucky to have so much support and I’m sure knowing everyone is there will spur me on on the night. I’m really grateful to everyone for backing me and would also like to say a special thanks to Vicky at Carter Leisure for providing me with a studio to train - it’s been much appreciated.”
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Weather for Clitheroe
Friday 24 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 30 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 5 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
