Former Midlands unlicensed boxing champion, Dexter Hastings is committed to sparring 50 rounds in one day to raise money for the NHS, and finish his career positively.
Dexter, who writes for the Birmingham Boxing Column, was inspired to raise money for Good Hope Hospital in Birmingham after his brother Phillip Hastings was severely affected by Covid-19.
Phillip's health was so damaged he was put into a coma for 3 weeks and had to have a tracheostomy. “It affected him really badly with his breathing and lungs being really affected and then the doctors made the decision to put him in an induced coma”
Phillips' important treatment by the doctors, nurses, and other staff at Good Hope helped him massively during his battle in the hospital. “He is now thankfully awake and out of intensive care but still has a long way to go to get back to anywhere near his old self.”
As the NHS battled for Phillip, now Dexter is battling for the NHS to thank them. “This is shaping up to be a great day where we can raise money for Britain's national treasure the NHS and have some fun on the way.”
He feels confident to do the full 50 rounds together which is a huge challenge, anyone who’s boxed or sparred knows it takes great stamina and a lot of focus. However Dexter showed in his career against fighters like Malcolm Stowe that he has a good engine and good endurance.
He will be sparring names such as;
- Former British middleweight Champ and world title challenger, Wayne Elcock.
- BKB British Champion, Dan Podmore.
- Unlicensed boxer and former rival of Dexter, Malcolm Stowe.
- Recently retired pro, Carl Dickens.
- Respected trainers and former pros, Sean Cogan and Malcolm Melvin.
Previously, due to the pandemic, Dexter had to cancel his planned final fight, so this is a sort of farewell to the sport and a way to finish his career off in a positive way, 50 rounds and he’s out. However, he will still be involved in the sport for the rest of his life as a respected ex-fighter, regular in the gym, a writer on the column and a fan.
“I would like to say a big thank you to Cogans Corners boxing gym for letting hold the event there to owner Shaun Cogan and Spencer McCracken senior and junior for all their great advice and support. I would also like to mention some of the big donors - Taydec Blinds BCFC Ltd, Cimac for donating my gloves and Cogans Corner for their big donation to a great cause. Everyone's welcome to come on the 29th and please give generously.”
Fund Me Link - https://gofund.me/f7edd205