Leeds' first Wilder Fight Night proves big hit and raises £12,000 for charity

University has always been as much about life-enhancing experiences as obtaining a qualification and 20 students from the four Leeds universities will long remember taking part in the city's first Wilder Student Fight Night held at Stylus on the University of Leeds campus following six weeks of intensive training at Sharky's Gym in Meanwood.

- by James Bovington

"We began our fundraising fight nights in Durham in 2021. It was about time we came to Leeds following successful black-tie events in 17 cities throughout Britain and Ireland which have raised approaching £700,000 for our charity partners, mainly The Oddballs Foundation," said 'Wilder' Sal Sinawi, aged 37.

"The Leeds event raised £12,000. That's the highest ever for any city's debut fight night."

"We're mainly novice boxers," said Ciaran Gray, 21, a sports exercise therapy student who hails from Devon. "My opponent Will Yardley and I play cricket together for Leeds Beckett. I was elated to get the win. The boxing was for real and was an amazing experience.