All eyes will be on Huddersfield Town legend Andy Booth as he takes on the fight of his life against former amateur boxer Mark Reynolds.

Tomorrow night’s charity match – dubbed ‘Boothy’s Bout’ – at The John Smith’s Stadium, will see the former Town striker take on the one time school champion, Mark Reynolds, who has 94 bouts under his belt.

The event, held in association with Rawthorpe Boxing Club which Mark set up in 1998, promises to have spectators on the edge of their seats as the battle of wills commences.

Andy openly admits he is not in the best shape but has been given coaching and sparring sessions and is looking forward to getting in the ring.

The former striker’s training programme has included lifting tractor tyres, skipping, sparring, working with a punch bag and also running up and down the stairs of the stands in the John Smith’s Stadium.

Andy said: “I’m looking forward to it. It should be a good night. This will be my boxing debut.

“My general fitness level isn’t that good and, to be totally honest, it hasn’t been since I retired from football five years ago.

“The bout was the idea of Town’s Sean Jarvis and I agreed. I told my wife last week and she said I was absolutely stupid!

“Mark obviously was a top amateur boxer.

“I have absolutely no experience when it comes to boxing, but he promised to go easy on me in our exhibition match. I’m a little nervous.

Preview of charity boxing match, Andy Booth v Mark Reynolds.
Mark Reynolds and Andy Booth pictured at Rawthorpe Amateur Boxing Club, Gasworks Street, Huddersfield.
Preview of charity boxing match, Andy Booth v Mark Reynolds. Mark Reynolds and Andy Booth pictured at Rawthorpe Amateur Boxing Club, Gasworks Street, Huddersfield.

“We’ve got lots planned for this night that should make it a thoroughly entertaining evening for everyone that comes down.

“I plan to have a bucket of ice and some beers in for after the bout.”

And after Boothy takes on Mark in his maiden bout, Town cult hero Darren ‘Bully’ Bullock will step into the ring to take on Mark as well.

Mark said: “It’s going to be a great night.

“We are starting with Rawthorpe Amateur Boxers showcasing their skills, then me and Boothy.

“Boxing will be safe and controlled and show the skills needed in the ring.

“Boothy is a lovely lad and a good friend and he is a great role model for children and young boxers.”

Tickets for tonight’s fight, start from £15.

The action starts at 7pm.

For details email katie.barraclough@htafc.com or call 01484 484183.

Tale of the Tape

Name: Andy Booth

Age: 39

Weight: 13.5

Height: 6ft

Reach: Arm’s length

Biceps: Massive!

Boxing Bouts: Debut!

Chest size: 42ins

 

Name: Mark Reynolds

Age: 49

Weight: 13.7

Height: 6ft 1

Reach: 69 ins

Biceps: Big enough!

Boxing Bouts: 94 fights and National Champion; picked to represent GB at 14-15.

Chest size: 44ins