For this edition of Up Close and Personal I’m really pleased to catch up with a true battler, both inside and outside the ring, Marianne ‘Golden Girl’ Marston, ahead of her upcoming bout against Masa Bacanov on the Dave Murphy Acourtier Events promoted NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS mega event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Friday 4th October.
With all the press Marianne has received over the years, especially during her time in America, I am sure most readers are already aware of Marianne, but whilst she attracts a lot of column inches, invariably it’s about the superstar boxers that back her to go all the way, her visa woes, or her efforts to encourage more women to box, which is great, but I want something a little bit different, I wanted the real Marianne Marston.
As such following a recent sparring session, with former British and European Bantamweight Champion Ian ‘Dappa’ Napa, at the TRAD TKO gym I managed to persuade Marianne, who also coaches at the gym, to take a few minutes out from her busy schedule to answer a few questions.
But before we get to the interview itself, I feel a little scene setting is in order.
Marianne was discovered by late, great Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin’ Joe Frazier in 2007, Joe was so impressed that not only did he sign her on the spot but asked her to relocate to America to train full time with him, his son Marvis Frazier and Val Colbert at his North Philadelphia landmark gym.
She did, but within months of relocating to Philadelphia Frazier’s Gym closed, which was the first major setback to her career.
About a month later Marianne relocated to the James Shuler Memorial Gym in West Philadelphia, within a month or so Livvy Cunningham, the wife and manager of two time IBF Cruiserweight Champion Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham invited her to join their team.
Later that year, following a sparring session with Christina Leadbeater, promoter Ivan Cohen approached Livvy Cunningham with an offer to sign Marianne and debut her early in 2009.
Pennsylvania Boxing Commissioner Greg Sirb, who was also present, was equally impressed and agreed to license Marianne, subject to her obtaining a P1 Professional Athlete Visa.
In February 2009 Marianne returned to the UK, to obtain the visa that would enable her to fight, on the undercard of Brian Cohen’s WBC Continental Americas title fight in South Philly on the 9th May that year.
Unfortunately the American Embassy in London refused her application, as she hadn’t fought in an international competition here in the UK.
What followed next was a full on media campaign, initiated by a Philadelphia journalist Kerry O’Connor and supported by some of the biggest names from the City of Brotherly Love.
Within days the campaign went global, almost instantly the American Immigration service was inundated with e.mails and phone calls from tens of thousands of boxing fans, calling for them to allow Marianne to return and fight.
Needless to say, bureaucrats being what they are by nature, they refused to change their decision.
However, that wasn’t going to stop Marianne’s promoter, the aforementioned Ivan Cohen, who came up with a plan, code named 'Team America', with the intention of bringing over a team of Philly based boxers, comprising of Hammerin' Hank Lundy, Daphir 'No Fear' Smith, Brian 'Bionic Bull' Cohen, Gerald 'The Jedi' Nobles, Eric 'The Outlaw' Hunter, Tim Witherspoon Jnr, Nathalie Brown and Christina Leadbeater, to take on a UK team that would include Marianne.
Supporting 'Team America' on this mission were some serious 'Big Guns' in the form of World Champions, Steve 'USS' Cunningham, 'Terrible' Tim Witherspoon, Buster Drayton, Robert 'Bam Bam' Hines and the man who 'discovered' and brought Marianne to America in the first place, Smokin' Joe Frazier.
However, the British Boxing Board of Control soon put an end to that plan, by refusing to license Marianne.
BBBofC General Secretary Robert Smith stated to me personally that he didn’t see any reason why they should license her, as she would have just one fight here and then return to America – a valid point in one way I suppose, Marianne did have an unprecedented twelve fight contract awaiting her return Stateside, but surely a license should be issued based on someone’s boxing ability, not according to where they would be fighting for part, or even all, of their career.
However everything became crystal clear shortly after, as Mr Smith then went on to say that he doesn’t approve of Women Boxing (I considered writing everything that he said to me on his thoughts about Women boxing, but I feel it would be way too offensive to ALL Women.)
Marianne appealed to no avail on a number of occasions over the following two years, before successfully applying to another European sanctioning body in August 2011.
Finally overcoming the ridiculous levels of bureaucracy, from both the American Embassy and the British Boxing Board of Control, Marianne was able to fight, or was she.
Well yes and no, because the BBBofC still wouldn’t allow her to fight in the UK on an overseas license, even though various promoters and boxing luminaries had lobbied on her behalf, but this all changed earlier this year, following the German Boxing Association becoming the second European organization, after Luxembourg Boxing Federation, to take advantage of revised European legislation that allows other European sanctioning organisations to sanction events in the UK.
So finally, in April this year Marianne made her long awaited professional debut, against Hungary’s Gabriella Roman.
The following is an extract from my report of the event.
“Soaking up every moment of the occasion Marston finally entered the ring and once again acknowledged the highly vocal and appreciative crowd until the final chord of the emotive ring walk track.
Once referee Ken Curtis had completed his pre fight rule talk it was time for action.
Marston lithely prowled her way across the ring to meet her opponent head on with a massive right hand jab, closely followed with a big left, Roman was clearly stunned by the massive early assault, but still managed to cover up just as a second double handed barrage was thrown, closely followed up with a big left to the head sending the Hungarian girl to the canvas.
Roman recovered sufficiently to box defensively against the ever forward moving Marston, however after about twenty seconds or so Marston corralled the Hungarian in her own corner, with nowhere to go Roman covered up in preparation for yet another double handed assault.
As the seemingly never ending barrage rained down Roman succumbed to the inevitable and went down for a second time.
With barely enough time to catch her breath Roman once again was forced to cover up, as Marston continued to throw massive double handed barrages.
The onslaught proved too much for Roman, who had let her hands drop enough for Marston to land a big right to the head, followed by an equally vicious left to send her reeling against the corner post.
Marston could smell blood and pounced in for the kill, first landing a massive overhand right closely followed by another wicked left hook, which shook Roman to the core.
Then, on the one minute forty seven second mark, just as Marston was about to throw yet another big left to the head of the clearly disoriented Hungarian, referee Ken Curtis jumped in to save the now virtually defenseless Roman from further punishment.
As soon as she realized it was over and she had won, an ecstatic Marston turned towards the legion of fans to her left and made an emotional statement, dedicating her victory to the memory of her mentor Smokin’ Joe Frazier.”
The victory was so emphatic that the following day World Boxing Federation’s South Africa based President Howard Goldberg contacted Marianne’s promoter, Dave Murphy, offering to fast track Marianne for a title shot, which if all goes to plan will take place in London in November, or early next year.
OK, so the scene is set, now it’s time to get on to the interview with the girl tagged ‘The Golden Girl’ by the late, great Smokin’ Joe.
Rio: Do you come from a family Boxing background?
Marianne: Neither of my parents have a boxing background.
I come from quite a sleepy village in Norfolk and attended an all girls school, so sport wise Fencing (Foil) and swimming were my forte.
I was ranked #6 in the under 16’s in Fencing and competed at swimming for the Norwich Penguins.
Rio: In that case when did you first become interested in boxing and why?
Marianne: The first time I became interested in boxing I was just a kid, I can’t remember what the fight was, it was either a Mike Tyson or a Frank Bruno fight and I wanted to box then.
My mum took me to Norwich Lads Club, I guess the local amateur club and they pointed out it’s a lads club and they wouldn’t let me box.
It wasn’t until many, many years that I started training, just for the fun of it with Choleton Senior, who’d boxed himself, and got bitten by the bug at that point.
Rio: Why did you decide to turn pro?
Marianne: I hadn’t really thought about turning pro, or even competing, until I was at Joe Frazier’s and they wanted to turn me pro quite quickly, I guess it was a combination of age, therefore how much time I would have in the amateurs and I think my style is a little more suited to the pros than the amateurs.
Rio: Who are the main ‘Team Golden Girl’ members?
Marianne: Johnny Eames is my manager and I have to name two people on the training side, I’m training with Brian O’Shaughnessy at the moment but Barry Smith has been a big part of how I box now, especially the power in my punches, so I have to credit him too.
Rio: What’s your training schedule?
Marianne: Tough, I guess I train a couple of hours a day at the gym, all the boxing stuff, Pads work, sparring, heavy bag depending on the day and outside that on a different part of the day do a run, anywhere between three and six miles, sometimes I do sprints, it’s all about the legs.
Rio: What is your favourite part of training?
Marianne: It depends on my mood, but I suppose my favourite would be doing the floor work although I’m really enjoying the technique work on the pads with Brian at the moment, as I’m learning new skills and I always enjoy that.
Rio: Who have you been sparring for your upcoming fight?
Marianne: Ian Napa is my main sparring partner, which is an education, the man’s phenomenal, I know he’s retired but he’s still sharp.
He comes in and psyches me out by doing twelve rounds on the heavy bag when we’re not sparring, he’s as fit and difficult as he’s always been.
It really has been exceptional sparring and I really do believe if I can hold my own with him, I can hold my own with anyone.
I’ve also got sparring with Angel McKenzie and Darren Hamilton.
I’ve known Angel and Darren for years, Angel will be fighting Jennifer Retzke on October 4th, I’m so pleased Angel gets to fight here for a World title, instead of always being the away fighter.
What can I say about Darren, British Champion, great boxer and a great guy that is always happy to help out with advice or sparring.
I was also supposed to be sparring amateur Lightweight Kimberley Leah, who I train at the TRAD TKO Gym, but she badly injured her ankle last week.
Kim is seriously good, very technical, as she’s a lot taller than me sparring is always challenging. I’m hoping to turn her pro later this year or early next. She’s so talented, she’ll do very, very well as a pro, I think she’ll go all the way, definitely a future World Champion.
Rio: How would you describe your fight style?
Marianne: I’m a bit of a bully, I don’t back down, you’re going to have to knock me down and keep me down to stop me coming forward basically.
I like to attack, I guess I’m quite aggressive, I’m not playing when I get in the ring, that’s the main thing it’s not a game, it’s serious stuff and I intend to win.
Rio: Which has been your favourite fight to date and why?
Marianne: That’s an easy one, I’ve only had the one pro fight.
I fought Gabriella Roman in April on my debut. It didn’t last long at all, I think it was one minute and forty seven seconds of the first round.
I put her down quite early, after that she went very defensive so I kept up the pressure, backed her into my corner and put her down again.
After the count I went straight back on the attack and she was already on her way down again when the referee stopped the fight.
I didn’t even realize he’d stopped the fight I thought she was going to get another count, but when Dave (promoter Dave Murphy) told me that’s it, it’s over and only then it dawned on me I’d won my first fight.
Rio: Who is your all time favourite boxer and why?
Marianne: It’s Joe Frazier followed by Manny Pacquiao.
Why? Joe Frazier, he always goes forward, he was the little guy in the ring, because as a heavyweight he was a small heavyweight.
I just loved the way he just came forward, the pressure, the movement, so hard to hit, so powerful on the attack.
As an attacking fighter myself I enjoy that and enjoy watching that. I think he has the same thing that I have, you have to put him down and keep him down to stop him.
Manny Pacquiao, he’s a southpaw like me, as a southpaw you should always watch the best southpaw boxers in the world and Manny Pacquiao is definitely that guy.
I love watching his technique, the way he moves in and out, to me that’s a skill I aspire to.
I’d also like to include Keith Thurman to my list, he’s one of my favourite rising star fighters of the moment, he’s a phenomenal fighter, serious power.
I like big punchers, I’m not talking two guys just punching each other but have serious skill as well.
Rio: Keeping in the same vein, all time favourite fight you have watched?
Marianne: It’s between three fights, two were Joe Frazier versus Mohammed Ali, the one Joe won and the other is the one he won but didn’t, because his corner made him stop not knowing that Ali wasn’t going to come out anyway.
The other was Steve Cunningham versus Marco Huck, Steve Cunningham is a force to behold, it was beautiful, I love that kind of boxing, I really do.
It was all out attack, a lot of people watch fights and they say they are just bashing each other up and ok they do sometimes, but this was different this was skill even though all out attack, it was phenomenal.
Rio: Which current match-up would you like to see happen this season?
Marianne: Well one of my favourite boxers is Steve Cunningham, obviously I have a real soft spot for Steve, he worked with me when I was in Philadelphia, the man is phenomenal, it really is something special to see him in training or fighting.
Of course there is one fighter that avoided him at Cruiserweight, moved up to Heavyweight to get away from him, so I think that now Steve has gone up to Heavyweight they should meet.
There’s nowhere to run now Mr. Haye.
Rio: What’s your fight day routine?
Marianne: Very, very quiet. I have very small meals up until the weigh-in.
Generally just keeping my head clear, keeping myself relaxed.
Then Steak and chips straight after the weigh-in, well you need plenty of protein for the fight.
Rio: That takes us right into the next question, what is your entrance track?
Marianne: For the last fight it was Move by Thousand Foot Crutch.
I first heard this when I was part of Steve Cunningham’s team training at Shuler’s Gym in Philadelphia, Steve had a promo video made for the first fight against Tomasz Adamek and Move was the soundtrack.
It really fires me up every time I hear it, so it really is the perfect entrance track for me.
I quite like the track that goes ‘I got 99 problems but the bitch ain't one’ which kind off sums up many things for me, but I’d probably stick with Move as I am reluctant to change things, I’m stupidly superstitious like most sportspeople.
Rio: What are your ambitions as a boxer?
Marianne: Well it would be nice to win a title, but other than that I would like to be remembered as someone who had good skills, a proper boxer not someone that just coasted.
Rio: Outside boxing, what is your favourite sport?
Marianne: Football, is the sport I enjoy watching the most, closely followed by Ice Hockey.
I’m a huge Arsenal fan, I never used to even watch football until I moved to Highbury a few years ago, Arsenal won the league and the victory procession went right past my home, so I went out to watch them pass by, don’t know why but it made me want to go and watch them play one day.
I watched their first game of the new season and was hooked, after watching Thierry Henry play for the first time.
Before I went to America I used to regularly go to Highbury and watch them play and later at the Emirates, but since I’ve been back haven’t really had the chance to go and watch them, mainly because I run a female only boxing class at the TRAD TKO at three o’clock every Saturday.
When I was in America I became hooked on Ice Hockey, especially the Philly Flyers, who I’d go and watch at every opportunity.
You have to admire a sport where you’re allowed to beat the crap out of the opposition.
For me to partake in, it’s shooting or fencing, as I’m pretty good at both.
Rio: How do you relax outside boxing?
Marianne: I read, I cook and I walk my cat.
I love reading, just not enough time to read enough to satisfy my insatiable appetite.
Cooking’s my passion, if I wasn’t hitting stuff I would probably be whipping, beating, mixing, stirring and baking.
The cat likes to attack foxes, one of these days he’s going to run into a fox that is too big to handle, so I take him for walks on a lead in the evening, he’s a bit like me, he doesn’t know when to back down.
Rio: Favourite book?
Marianne: My favourite author is Terry Pratchett, he is for me the perfect writer, I have a whole host of second favourites, which I couldn’t begin to name.
I love reading and will read almost anything, as long as it’s not romance.
At the moment I’m reading James Lee Burke, it’s really annoying he’s written twenty odd books and I’m desperate to read them all, but I’m reading them out of order, which is driving me nuts as I have to rely on the library.
Rio: Favourite music?
Marianne: Heavy, Heavy Rock, Heavy Metal, just heavy, heavy, heavy, by bands like Hed Pe, Earth Crisis, Soulfly, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Sepultura type heavy.
Rio: Favourite film or TV show?
Marianne: I watch films and TV but there’s nothing that stands out.
Rio: Finally is there anything you want to say to your fans?
Marianne: Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Marianne Marston, against Masa Bacanov, will feature on the Dave Murphy Acourtier Events promoted ‘NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS’ event, headlined by Michel Trabant vs TBA and Jennifer Retzke versus Angel McKenzie World title clashes, at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Friday, 4th October 2013
After a controversial loss to Kevin Satchell in July, Flyweight Iain Butcher returns to action on October 11th against Gabor Molnar for the vacant WBO European Flyweight title, headlining a packed card at Ravenscraig Sports Facility in Motherwell.
The Hungarian based Molnar, was a very experienced amateur and comes into the October 11th fight with a very impressive 12-3-0 record. His only defeats coming in a WBA Intercontinental title fight, a Hungarian title fight and a contest in Canada versus World ranked Tyson Cave at bantamweight.
His 12 wins include nine by KO, and represents a tough opponent for Butcher in his first fight since the Satchell defeat.
Looking to build on Butchers recent performance's promoter Paul Graham is using this title fight to keep his fighter in the title mix “Iain went into his last fight as the underdog, but he came away with a lot of fans and proof that title level is were he belongs. He has shown his class and has the ability to go far in the sport and I am looking forward to putting him on again in Motherwell were the local support has been incredible.
Looking forward to getting back out, the 21 year old has already started training “I’ve been ticking over in the gym for a few weeks while they have been sorting out the opponent. I am looking forward to fighting again in Motherwell and also fighting for a title gives me an added incentive as I know a win in this fight could get me a top 15 world ranking with The WBO.
After picking up his first professional loss, the Jerviston fighter added “It is hard to taste a defeat, especially a controversial one where most people thought that I won, no fighter likes the feeling of it, however I feel I came out more galvanised by the experience and I have taken a lot from it. I know what we can work on coming into this fight and I will make sure we see the best of me on October 11th
Prospect Boxing presents an Evening of Championship Boxing at the Ravenscraig Sports Centre, Motherwell on Friday October 11th. The Main event sees Iain Butcher take on Hungarian Gabor Molnar for the vacant WBO European Flyweight Title.
The undercard sees the return of Chris Steel(Coltness) vs Mike Towel (Dundee) and also features Mark Parvin (Wishaw) vs Gerry Brady (Airdrie), Martin McCord, Rhys Pagan. Also in action is former commonwealth title challenger Mitch Prince. Tickets are priced at £30 and £40 and available from the fighters or by calling 01698 338 888
Cardiff’s Kyle King is planning to give Jason Cunningham his first defeat when he returns to the ring on Mick Hennessy's 'Undefeated' show at Rotherham's Magna Centre on Saturday.
King faces Doncaster’s southpaw Cunningham who is the same age but has the height advantage and boasts an undefeated 8-0 record. Cunningham’s amateur career showed his class, winning an ABA title and beating the highly rated Kid Galahad.
Admittedly, King knows that his own career has stopped and stalled since turning professional in 2009 but he’s finally found stability under the tutelage of retired champion Jamie Arthur at his newly formed gym in Rhydyfelin, near Pontypridd.
King said, “Cunningham’s done very well and fair play to him, whereas it’s not been a smooth ride for me. I think they might be looking at my inactivity and thinking I’m there for the taking but it’s not like that.
“I’m coming to win. I’ve been training hard, we’ve only had two weeks’ notice for the actual opponent but it doesn’t matter who it is because I’m ready to fight anyone. Cunningham’s a tall southpaw and I’ll swarm all over him for the full four rounds, I think they’ll have a big shock on Saturday.”
The 23-year-old from Cardiff last fought in Mach 2012 but he’s kept busy in boxing by coaching white collar fighters while training hard at Arthur’s Gym for the past three months. Prior to his inactivity, King was ranked fifth in Britain by online encyclopaedia BoxRec and he’s keen to regain that ranking.
He said, “I was within a few fights of a title shot and I don’t see why I can’t get there again. We’re going in against a top prospect and apart from my team, nobody expects us to win. That’s fine because I believe in myself and it’s all I need. I just want to be treated fairly and given credit when I win because I’m doing it the hard way.”
Since there aren’t many super-flyweights around in Britain, boxers can climb the ladder to domestic title shots quicker than in other weight divisions and King believes that victory on Saturday will put him on the brink of a challenge for the British title.
He said, “The thing about the smaller divisions is that there aren’t a lot of middlemen or gatekeepers, so you can either fight the journeymen numerous times or fight the other contenders. We have a very short apprenticeship and then we’re basically fighting unofficial eliminators.
“That’s how I see Saturday, if I win this then I’m right back up the rankings and in the picture for a British title. In this division, sooner or later you have to fight the top boys and I want to earn and deserve my title shot – starting on Saturday.”
The clash against Cunningham won’t be the first time King’s been the ‘away opponent’ with everything stacked against him, the harsh reality of professional boxing has seen King defeated twice but the Welshman doesn’t believe it’s a true reflection of his talent.
He said, “I know exactly how it is in the away corner or on the road – you have to go above and beyond to win and that’s what I’m prepared to do. You don’t only have to win, you have to win well and our plan is to give it everything to win every round.”
Chris Truman (9-4-1) is ready to prove himself as a contender now he is fighting at what he believes is his optimum weight.
The Erdington-born boxer has stepped up to welterweright from light welterweight and faces Sean Lewis (4-1) for a Bronze International Masters title over 8 rounds on It’s-A-Bout-Boxing’s ‘Friday 13th’ Show tomorrow evening in Birmingham.
Truman and Lewis weighed-in at the Ramada Hotel, Oldbury earlier today. Lewis weighed-in at 10 st 5 lb 12 oz whilst Truman weighed-in, initially, at 10 st 7lb 3oz before a second weigh-in weight of 10 st 7lb.
“I’m ready for this,” Truman told www.uko-boxing.com . “I know I’m not the tallest (5’ 5”) but I feel comfortable at this weight. I always eat clean and I was still struggling to make weight at light welter. I’m a fitness fanatic and never carry any weight, so when I had to lose weight to make light welter, I would struggle and lose muscle mass. I’m a stocky lad and welterweight is where I se myself fighting.
“I’ve trained very hard for this one. I’ve sparred with British Welterweight Champion, Frankie Gavin, and he said some really nice things about me. That’s given me confidence that I can make an impact at this weight.
“I don’t know too much about Sean Lewis. He’s only had five fights and lost one, so he’ll be a bit of an unknown quantity. That said, I’m feeling sharp. I’ve had a good camp and, thanks to my sponsors MVM Promotions and MacHughes Scaffolding, I’ve had the last two weeks off work. I did my last bit of pad work on Monday and have relaxed the last few days, so I’ll be full of energy for the fight.”
Lewis meanwhile has other ideas and is ready to give Truman a baptism of fire at welterweight. The 24 year-old Scouser believes he will be too strong for his opponent and is convinced he will be lifting the International Masters strap in only his sixth professional fight.
“I’ve had a great camp,” he told www.uko-boxing.com . “I’ve had about six weeks training and it’s gone well. I’m really looking forward to the fight. I enjoy fighting out of my hometown. It’s great to be on the road and stepping in for titles.
“Truman is a decent fighter but I think I’ll have the edge on him. This is the first rung on the ladder for me.”
The rest of It’s-A-Bout-Boxing’s ‘Friday 13th’ Bill is as follows:
Welsh light-middleweight, Warren Sinden, who wowed the packed Birmingham crowd last time out with a convincing points victory over previously unbeaten Disney Huni, is also in action. ‘Big Rig’ takes on tough southpaw Rick Boulter over 4 x 3’s.
Dudley’s Ryan Aston, fresh from his British Masters Super Middleweight Title victory, steps in with Czech Josef Obeslo over 6 x 3’s.
Worcester’s Michael ‘Mad Man’ Mooney takes on Amadur Rahman at light welterweight whilst Chelmsley Wood’s Ainsley Seivwright faces off against Harvey Hemsley at super featherweight.
Unbeaten super middleweight, Andrew ‘D’Animal’ Robinson will be looking to make it 8 in a row. The Brummie boxer takes on Graham Tirrell over 6 x 3’s
Coventry’s unbeaten heavyweight, Mike O’Hagan, young prospect Samson ‘Slick’ Sykes and youngster Mikey Boyles also feature on what is sure to be a fiendishly good night of boxing. O’Hagan’s opponent is yet to be confirmed whilst Sykes takes on Czech Miroslav Prochazka at bantamweight and Boyles takes on experienced Keiron Gray at light middleweight.
R&B, grime and hip hop star DJ Ironik, will be performing throughout the evening and in between bouts. The critically acclaimed DJ will be spinning a host of tracks including his UK top 10 hits; ‘Stay With Me’, ‘Tiny Dancer (Hold Me Closer)’ and ‘I Got Soul’. If that wasn’t enough, renowned Glamour and Lingerie mode, Natalie Law, will be trying her hand at Mc’ing as It’s-A-Bout-Boxing build on their growing reputation as innovators not imitators in the world of pro boxing.
A host of celebrities including TOWIE's Nicola Goodger, Ricky and Jay from Geordie Shore, Jethro Sheeran, the X-Factor's Chris Maloney, Big Brother's Thomas O'Connell and Alex Rose Lee will all be in attendance along with Big Joe Egan and Vas Blackwood - the new faces of It's-A-Bout-Boxing.
Tickets are just £25 General, £50 Ringside and £75 VIP Ringside. They are by calling the Box Office on 0845 467 3930 or 07888 870 650.