Fight nights return to Morecambe nightclub

A name from the town's boxing past is back and looking to make history with one more big Morecambe fight night.
Philip Riley from EBF Boxing outside The Carleton.Philip Riley from EBF Boxing outside The Carleton.
Philip Riley from EBF Boxing outside The Carleton.

Philip Riley has booked The Carleton nightclub for a ‘white-collar’ boxing show on Saturday, May 28.

With The Carleton due to be converted into flats, this could be the last ever semi-professional boxing show at the venue.

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Travelling man Philip has returned to live in Morecambe after a spell away and hopes to bring back memories of some of the big ‘white-collar’ shows he promoted during the last decade.

Riley, a former amateur and bare knuckle boxer, referees on the UK semi-pro circuit for the European Boxing Federation (EBF) and will work with them once again on the ‘Seaside Showdown’ event.

“With Tyson Fury being heavyweight champion and Isaac Lowe doing well, there will never be a better time to bring back a big boxing show to Morecambe,” said Philip.

Riley promoted a series of boxing shows at the Carleton from 2007 to 2009 in front of big crowds, featuring a mix of former pros and novice fighters from the local area.

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His biggest show came when former world heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon boxed a three-round exhibition against Morecambe businessman Alan Lingwood at the Carleton in 2008, and Alan’s three sons also boxed on the undercard.

Another former world heavyweight champ, Tony Tucker, was a guest at a Carleton EBF fight night earlier that year.

Riley also opened a boxing gym above the Imperial pub in the West End with help from Alan Lingwood in 2008.

The Carleton is owned by developer Ian Bond who is allowing the club to reopen for one-off events such as boxing.

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In January a dance music night billed as ‘The Final Farewell’ pulled 1,300 ravers to the seafront club.

Philip is looking for boxers to compete on the night, either male or female.

Money will be raised for CancerCare at the show.

If you would like to box on the night, or for tickets, contact Philip on 07798 672293.

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