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'Hitman' Haslam has his hand raised after defeat of 'Gentleman' George

Ben 'The Hitman' Haslam channelled his inner Muhammad Ali to record a unanimous decision over 'Gentleman' George Primarolo at a charity racing staff boxing night in aid of Racing Welfare.

Organised by Ultra White Collar Boxing, the event took place at Goffs' Doncaster Sales complex on Saturday and was sponsored by William Hill.

Haslam and Primarolo's bout was one of 13 on the card, and despite having to give up more than two stone at the weights, it was trainer Haslam's hand that was raised in victory.

"I jabbed and ducked," Haslam said on Sunday. "Unfortunately George didn't get tired and it was a good fight. I probably landed a few more jabs than he was able to defend.

"He threw a lot at me and luckily I was able to avoid more than he was able to land, otherwise I would have been in trouble."

Several jockeys swapped their stirrups for boxing gloves and there were some notable performances.

"Hugo Thompson-Brown, who is a conditional for Micky Hammond was very good," Haslam added. "He and David Nolan had a very good fight.

"Clifford Lee was on last and he's either very natural or has done it before. He was top-notch and I wouldn't fancy getting in a ring with him."

Despite the inclement weather, there was a healthy crowd in attendance, and Mary-Ann Sandercock, corporate and fundraising events manager for Racing Welfare, said: "Practically the whole of the Malton and Middleham racing communities turned out and the atmosphere was electric.
Clifford Lee after enjoying his biggest win in the Bunbury Cup on the David Barron-trained Above The Rest, a ride secured by his boss Karl Burke
Clifford Lee enjoyed his biggest win on Above The Rest in the Bunbury Cup last seasonCredit: Edward Whitaker

"Ultra White Collar Boxing were really impressed with the boxers and it was fantastic."

The participants raised around £7,500 in donations, and the final figure from the night is expected to be between £12,000 and £15,000.

Haslam may already have a challenger among the training ranks if he steps back into the ring, but it could be shades of Rocky v Ivan Drago.

"I saw Scott Dixon on the way out and he looked interested in a contest but I think I'd definitely come off worse in that one!" Haslam said.


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David BaxterReporter

Published on 18 March 2018inNews

Last updated 09:36, 19 March 2018

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