HUNDREDS of pounds were raised for charity when Keighley Boxing Club and Keighley Lions joined forces to stage their annual boxing dinner.

Four of the five Keighley boxers won, including light-middleweight James Emerson who also won the 'outstanding boxer' award following a rousing encounter with Sheffield's Simon Shenton.

Former Honk Kong Sevens rugby star, Emerson, following earlier boxing success elsewhere over the season, took a step up in class, and despite bleeding heavily from the nose throughout much of the contest he pounded out a unanimous points victory over a tough, resolute, and smart opponent in a contest which drew a prolonged standing ovation.

Welterweight Paul Doust was also successful at senior level. He just had the measure of Halifax star John Mullins to win by a majority points decision in a similarly hard fought bout.

There was junior success too for the Keighley club as Danny Spilsbury made a promising debut to outpoint Sheffield's Ronnie Richards, including a standing count. Tom Duffy came from behind to produce the shots which mattered to stop Samn Hussain of Bradford Police in the second.

Keighley's only defeat was that of light-middleweight Paddy Todd against his 6ft 3ins opponent Chris Lindley of Hoyle Mill, Burnley, but 'Toddy' played his part amid an exceedingly lively and skilful 'show closer' which inspired the crowd to stay for another bout of charity fund-raising.

Top auction item was an England soccer shirt autographed by Alan Shearer, which had beendonated by Keighley RUFC 'old boy' David Jeanes who went on to help Great Britain win rugby league's World Cup.

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