Former England prop David Flatman is staging an “Ashes” boxing match in London, featuring England and Lions hardman Danny Grewcock against former Australian lock Justin Harrison, the controversial ex-Wallaby forward.
The fight is part of Flatman’s testimonial year with the ex-Saracens prop, who moved to Bath and retired from rugby in 2012, now Communications Director with the West Country club.
Flatman is certain the fight on October 2 at the Park Plaza, Riverbank Hotel will act as a useful build-up to the next Ashes cricket clash in Australia and having played with both players at Bath, he is keenly aware of their pugilistic prowess.
Flatman said: ”Danny Grewcock, probably world rugby's most violent individual ever, will box Australian Justin Harrison, the man famous for both stealing the lineout to win the 2001 series versus the British Lions and for being renamed 'Plank' by our very own Austin Healey. These two men - as well as former All Black and London Wasp Mark Robinson - are in training for the event as we speak.
“I never intended to have a testimonial but I mentioned it while sharing a beer with a British soldier whose legs had been blown off in Afghanistan and said that I wasn't going to bother, he said something that shifted my attitude instantly: "Blokes like you have the chance to make money for blokes like me. Your testimonial dinner could pay for my next set of legs."
“Danny, Justin and Mark will be helping raise money for three charities; Help for Heroes, The Burned Children's Club and Down's Syndrome Association (my beloved brother has Down’s).
“The guys are putting themselves out there (and let's face it, there's a lot to lose) because they are properly good blokes and because they want to help three charities that mean a huge amount to me, their mate."
All the details of the boxing night can be found at davidflatmantestimonial.com
