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by ROGER HALSTEAD BATTLING Bill Quinn, the Oldham chairman, will be going into the ring with former New Zealand Test star Brad Hepi in the Legends of League big-fight night at the Reebok Stadium on June 14 to raise funds in the fight against cancer for the Steve Prescott Foundation. An amateur boxer in his youth, 42-year-old Bill expected to be squaring up to either Hornets coach Bobbie Goulding or former RL referee Karl Kirkpatrick. It has now emerged though that he will be in the ring with the former Kiwi hard-man, who in his rugby league days was reputed to be one of the toughest men in the sport. Bill was among a clutch of prospective boxers who were invited to Rickie Hatton's gym earlier this week to meet the famous fighter and to pick up a few tips for their big night in Bolton in mid-June. The Sky Sports cameras were there and the event was featured on last Wednesday's Boots 'N All programme. Said Bill: "I was supposed to be squaring up to Goulding or Kirkpatrick, but I've since been told my opponent will be Hepi. He was there the other night and I have to say he looked one strong, mean Kiwi. He didn't say much, he just kept staring at me. "According to Deaks (Oldham coach Steve Deakin), who knew Hepi well in his playing days, he reckons I have definitely drawn the short straw. "The general view is I will have a tougher fight on my hands than I would have done against either Goulding or Kirkpatrick, but we'll just have to see what happens on the night. I will have a very strong test in this one, but to be honest I would rather go into the fight as an underdog and I have certainly got what I wanted --- a challenge. "I said I wanted a fight and I've got one. I can promise this -- there will be no turning back. Let's see what happens on the night and in the ring. There ain't no hiding place there." The whole evening, which includes several bouts of boxing, a four-course meal, other entertainment and the presence of a galaxy of sporting stars and icons, is to raise funds for the Steve Prescott Foundation, the organisation set up to work on fund-raising in the fight against cancer. Steve, the former RL star, is currently battling against a rare form of stomach cancer and much of the money raised goes to Christie's Hospital in Manchester and cancer charities. Bill is seeking to raise money for the cause from sponsorship and forms will be available next week from the Roughyeds office in Lansdowne Road, Chadderton (tel: 0161 628 3677). For a donation of £250 companies can have their names on Bill's boxing shorts. As one of the boxers, Bill has first shout on one or two tables. Seats are priced at £70 per head, this including the four-course meal, various bouts of boxing involving Legends of League, singers, other entertainment, a turn-out of the stars and a unique sporting occasion, all in a very good cause. Anyone interested in sponsoring Bill is asked to pick up a form at the Roughyeds office next week or to ring Janet at the club on 0161 628 3677 to have one sent out by post. Similarly, if any companies wish to participate they, too, are asked to ring Janet on that number. |
