Boxing fans given chance to back Hull's St Paul's club

ST Paul's Boxing Academy are offering a first for the sport, with a chance to become financially involved in the world of professional boxing.

The club have taken a pioneering approach by offering a percentage of their boxers' future earnings in return for sponsorship from the general public, in a move that has been compared to syndicates buying racehorses.

In a true first for boxing, St Paul's have made eight of their professional boxers available for sponsorship, with fans able to claim five per cent of their fight earnings as well as being side by side with them during their careers.

"We are confident this will be a success," explained St Paul's commercial manager Peter McCabe.

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"It is about taking the experience of being a boxing fan, but moving it on to the next level. In the past it is only the big money men who have had this type of involvement with boxers, but we want to offer the general public and businesses the chance to be involved and be part of the St Paul's team."

Among the eight boxers available for the public to sponsor is rising featherweight star Samir Mouneimne, who is tipped for a big 2013 with a shot at the Commonwealth title being lined-up.

With syndicate sponsorship packages costing £2,400 and lasting for a five-fight deal, St Paul's are hoping groups of 10 friends will come together to invest in the local boxers and spread the cost.

But big businesses are also being targeted, with the sponsorship offering more than just a percentage of the earnings of the boxers.

"The sponsorship packages aren't just about the earnings, they will give fans a chance to be involved in the glamour of boxing with limousines taking them to the fight, ringside seats and invites to after-show parties too," added McCabe.

"There will be sponsors names on the shorts of the boxers on fight night, on their training wear, the whole package is very attractive."

McCabe has been brought in to St Paul's to help drive the club forward on the back of the success of Olympic gold medal winner Luke Campbell.

And head coach Mike Bromby admits the type of funding the innovative idea can bring in is essential for the boxers.

"The boxers can't get to the top on ability alone, they need funding and a set-up behind them and we think this will give the boys the best chance to reach the top," added Bromby.

"The public are a vital part in all of this and we want them to come on board and get behind the boxers. The boys are working really hard in the gym, the club is striving to move forward and it's an exciting time to be involved in the sport in Hull."

The next 'Main Event Boxing' professional show, featuring seven of the eight St Paul's boxers available for sponsorship, is on Saturday, September 8 at the Sports Arena at the KC Stadium.

For more information , ring Peter McCabe on 07535539788, e-mail sportfd@hotmail.com or visit @MainEventBoxing on Twitter.