Ali bonus for Thaxton

EDP24 Paddy Davitt29th July, 2010

Norfolk's former boxing champion Jon Thaxton has earned a seal of approval from 'The Greatest' Muhammad Ali ahead of his tribute dinner on July 31.

A rare signed photograph of the three-time world heavyweight champion is the prized item to be auctioned off in honour of the ex-British and European lightweight champion.

Special guest star, modern ring legend Ricky Hatton, will top the after-dinner speaking bill amongst all the tributes at the testimonial marking Thaxton's 17-year professional career.

Hatton has also donated a signed glove from his global super fight with the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world Manny Pacquiao amongst other exclusive memorabilia whilst Mike Tyson, Pele and Wayne Rooney also feature in other auction lots.

Thaxton and Hatton memorably collided in one of the best domestic fights of the last decade when the Manchester boxer secured a points decision for the British welterweight crown on his way to world glory. A replay of that bruising encounter will be shown on Thaxton's special evening along with a showreel of the duo's greatest fights.

Leon Gyton, from Norfolk-based boxing equipment company Geezers, has also donated a replica pair of shorts Thaxton wore in that 2000 battle with Hatton which will be signed by both men.

"We at Geezers made all Jon's shorts throughout his career," said Gyton, with a proportion of the proceeds raised from the evening going towards The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House charity.

"He was an asset to the sport and we were proud to have worked with him and wish him all the best in his retirement."

An array of Thaxton's boxing peers including Norfolk's Commonwealth heavyweight champion Sam Sexton, the highly-rated Walsh brothers and former WBC Light Welterweight Champion Junior Witter are also scheduled to pay tribute to the Norwich fighter. Canaries' stalwarts Bryan Gunn, Darren Huckerby, Iwan Roberts and Craig Fleming are on the special guest list.

Sportlink's Neil Featherby was a key member of Team Thaxton during the highs and lows of a rollercoaster career.

He said "This is a night for people in boxing and the fans to pay tribute to Jon and the fantastic career he had and now it's all over a chance to celebrate everything he achieved in the sport, through what I am sure will be a really memorable and entertaining night.

"I have had many tributes come through which will be read out on the night including a really nice one from Robert Smith, general secretary of The British Boxing Board of Control and Commonwealth Council, who has praised Jon on an outstanding career, saying how he and other members of the Boxing Board of Control were extremely proud to have had Jon as a British Lightweight Champion.

"We have just about sold out of all the platinum tickets but do still have a few gold tickets available although I expect these to go before the end of next week."

# Tickets for the dinner at The Holiday Inn Norwich North, by the airport, on Saturday, July 31 cost £75 for gold tickets and £100 for platinum. For details, contact Sportlink on 01603 868606 or the Holiday Inn Airport Hotel on 01603 410544.