David Van Den Boom, left, the manager of Andergrove Tavern, and Kingsley Thieber,
who is Souths manager, shape up ahead of their Tradies Fight Night bout which will
raise funds for the PCYC.

Publicans take friendly rivalry into ring

Daily Mercury Wednesday 14/7/2010 Page: 3

By TOM WILUAMS tom.williams@dailymercury.com.au

WHEN thinking of all time greatest boxing bouts, a few come to mind. The Rumble in the Jungle, the Thriller in Manila, the Brawl for it All - and Andergrove Tavern versus Souths Leagues Club.

Souths manager Kingsley Thieber and David Van Den Boom, who is manager of Andergrove Tavern, admit it has been a while since they stepped into the boxing ring. "The last fight I was in was when I was 10, behind the green shed at primary school," Kingsley said. As for David, fights are a little more regular, though not necessarily by choice. "Being a bar manager, I have plenty of experience getting punched but not much throwing punches," he laughed.

The two larrikins will face up against each other on a Tradies Fight Night with a difference at the PCYC on Saturday, July 31, raising much needed funds for the PCYC in the process. Kingsley and David have not exactly changed their lifestyles to prepare for the bout. "I have cut down, I'm now only smoking a pack of 25s each day, not 30s," Kingsley said. "I have also started drinking low carb beer in preparation for the fight."

David said his tactics were going to be original on the night. "I am planning on running around the ring for three minutes ... People have been asking me if I am mad agreeing to fight Kingsley, but I know his weaknesses." Amanda Dick is an experienced boxer who cannot find an opponent for the night because she is unable to train regularly with a club due to work commitments.

"I had an opponent for the last fight night but she broke her jaw of the night and we didn't get to fight," she said. Amanda is looking for a good opponent who is serious about boxing. "I definitely do not advocate fighting out of the ring, but professional fighting is much different, I love it," she said.

TRADIES FIGHT NIGHT
Saturday July 31 Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.

• Tickets available from MECC or PCYC
• VIP seating - table of 10, $1100