Anthony Joshua's signed shorts to raise funds for Telford boxer Dylan's funeral
Anticipation is growing for the big title fight between boxing giants Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker – but in the meantime boxing fans are being urged to take part in Richie Woodhall's latest fundraising auction.
Joshua, who yesterday told rival Parker that no human could beat him, has signed a pair of shorts and a programme for Richie's latest auction, to raise funds for the funeral of tragic young Telford boxer Dylan Brassington.
The blue shorts, and programme for Joshua's British & Commonwealth heavyweight title fight against Dylan White, will go under the hammer at Halls auction house in Shrewsbury on January 31.
Richie, who lives in Telford, 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.
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A crowdfunding appeal has already raised more than £3,000 towards the £5,000 cost of Dylan's funeral.
Richie, who was president of Wellington Boxing Academy, urged people to bid generously on the items.
Dylan, who lived in Dawley, died on January 2.
Former super-middleweight world champion Richie said the young boxer had had a great future ahead of him.
Terrific lad
"He was a very good boxer indeed," 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 both items would be sold as a single lot, and should be a big draw for collectors of sporting memorabilia.
The auction, at Halls headquarters in Bowmen Way, Battlefield, Shrewsbury, starts at 10am.
The items can be viewed the day before, or on the day of the sale from 9am.
People not able to attend in person can leave a maximum bid with the auctioneer by telephoning 01743 450700.
Alternatively, to bid online, register at the-saleroom.com/halls before the start of the auction.
Anyone who would like to donate can find his page at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/brittany-whelan
