Sport
Fighting for sports clubs
Friday 4 July, 2008 8:00am
HARD-HITTING heavyweight Matt Reid hung up his gloves a long time ago but is still packing one hell of a punch in the name of sport.
A former NSW champion, and the number two ranked heavyweight in Australia, Reid grew up in Greystanes and made his professional debut in Las Vegas in 1994.
Retiring in 1999, the 40-year-old established his own gym in Silverdale and began training talented young fighters before realising he had a greater talent as a promoter.
"I started boxing when I was 16 and had my first amateur fight a year later," Reid said.
"I got into promoting in 2002. I miss being in the ring myself but much prefer promoting now, because of the money I can raise for local sport and community groups."
Having been involved with boxing for over 20 years, Reid said he learned how to be a successful promoter by watching those around him and learning from his own mistakes.
"I know a lot of people in boxing and they helped me out early on. I've come a long way and I'm now planning my seventh and biggest amateur boxing event."
Reid will hold a 15-bout fundraiser at the State Sports Centre, Homebush on November 22, featuring a number of Olympic and Commonwealth Games boxers.
Special guests will include Jeff Fenech, Paul Gallen and Mark Carroll, and a comedian will be part of the entertainment line-up.
"I'm hoping for over 4000 people there on the night," he said.
Reid's event differs from other boxing nights in that rather than just being a commercial venture, it aims to raise money for local sports clubs.
"The idea is to give teams and clubs a different option to raise funds," Reid said.
"The tickets are $25 each from me. So if you sell one ticket you receive $15 profit; if you sell 50 you get 10 free tickets from me, taking your profit to $1000; if you sell 100 you get $1500, and so on. Each club or team must sell a minimum of 50 tickets."
Reid said the event will be suitable for all ages, from under-6s right through to seniors and will offer something for everyone.
"Warragamba Neighbourhood Centre has already bought a bunch of tickets from me," he said.
"There are also corporate packages available at a cost of $1000 for a table of 10 with food and alcohol included. It will be a very entertaining night of boxing and fun."
For details call Matt Reid on 0403 067 629.
