World champ helps Dylan funeral fund
Richie Woodhall has stepped in to help raise funds for the funeral of tragic young boxer Dylan Brassington by organising a charity auction in his memory.
A pair of shorts and a programme signed by undisputed world boxing champion Anthony Joshua will go under the hammer at Halls auctioneers in Shrewsbury this month.
Richie has raised thousands of pounds for cancer charities with his auctions of sporting memorabilia over the past two years.
But he was so moved by the story of 21-year-old Dylan, who he knew through Wellington Boxing Academy, that he has decided to dedicate his next auction to helping with his funeral costs.
Dylan died last week and an inquest opened yesterday. So far, more than £1,000 has been pledged to a crowdfunding page to raise £5,000 for the cost of his funeral.
Richie, who is president of Wellington Boxing Academy, paid tribute to Dylan who he said had a great future ahead of himself.
"He was a very good boxer indeed," he said Richie.
"He was a really good fighter, and a terrific lad.
"I couldn't believe it when I heard about his death."
Richie said the items, which will be sold as a single lot, would be a big draw for collectors of sporting memorabilia.
"The programme is for Joshua's fight against Klitschko," he said.
"It was Klitschko's last fight, and we're also auctioning a pair of shorts, so it should attract a lot of interest."
Dylan's coach at Wellington Boxing Academy Mo Fiaz is also supporting the auction.
He said Dylan was one of the first boxers to join the academy eight years ago, and his death had come as a total shock.
"He was a really nice lad, he was always friendly, and he was a very talented boxer," said Mo.
"I can't believe it, he was in the gym just over a couple of weeks ago, he said 'I will see you after Christmas'."
The auction will take place at Halls in Bowmen Way, Battlefield, Shrewsbury, on January 31, starting at 10am.
The items can be viewed the day before, or on the day of the sale from 10am.
People not able to attend in person can leave a maximum bid with the auctioneer by telephoning 01743 450700.
Alternatively, to bid online, please register at www.the-saleroom.com/halls before the start of the auction.
