Boxing brought rugby league community together

Rivalries from the various Heavy Woollen teams were put aside as fans packed into the Frontier nightclub to show solidarity and support for one of their own - injured playing the sport they all love.

Many of the 30 boxers on show had never contemplated stepping into a boxing ring but wanted to be part of this historic event and had spent several weeks getting into shape, some taking themselves to specialist boxing gyms to receive expert advice.

The 15 bouts were certainly not for the faint hearted and there were some fierce contests, which included a couple of knock-outs, proof indeed that those competing were taking things seriously.

But even with the bruised bodies and sore heads that were no doubt evident on Monday morning, everyone agreed it was a fantastic occasion, which is likely to have raised several thousand pounds for the Ryan Glynn fund.

Sam Burgess began his rugby league career at Dewsbury Moor but has risen to become one of the biggest stars in the game - now plying his trade with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Australia’s NRL.

Burgess has never forgotten his Dewsbury roots and donated a signed Rabbitohs shirt which raised £330 in an auction, with his training top making a further £50.

Other of the game’s top players, Danny Buderus, had donated a signed Australian touring shirt after hearing of Ryan’s injury and that raised a further £420, while signed boxing gloves from Joe Calzaghe, along with more rugby league and football memorabilia further boosted the fund.

In keeping with a boxing tradition, there was even an after party, hosted by Bar Deco, who donated 10 per cent of proceedings on Sunday night to the Glynn fund.

Dewsbury Celtic’s Danny Lee, perhaps summed up the feeling of all those who took part, when he tweeted: “What an experience, never felt a buzz like it. Well done to all the fighters, fans and all involved.”

It was certainly an afternoon not to forget and everyone involved deserves huge credit pulling off the ambitious but very rewarding show. There is already talk of a Battle in Batley II.

Report from the 15 bouts plus more pictures, see sport.