Sparkies set to put friendships aside to support worthy campaign

BOXING: Brendon Smith has never failed to “bring the big fights” to Toowoomba.

The boxing promoter and trainer’s TGW And Smithy Brings The Big Fights cards are always packed with the best professional talent Australian boxing has to offer.

The undercard is proving to be equally impressive though and “fight night 26” will add to the rich history.

Friendships will be temporarily put aside on November 14 when 18 sparkies glove up for the ETU Cup.

The corporate fights will serve as a fundraiser for The Great White Campaign to bring a permanent neurosurgeon to Toowoomba.

“We’re happy to be able to raise funds for the TGW campaign,” Electrical Trades Union state organiser Dan McGaw said.

“It’s a great local cause and we’re hoping to make this (the ETU Cup) an annual event.”

A number of ETU members have been training at Smith’s Toowoomba gym and are looking forward to testing themselves in the ring.

“We’ve got 18 blokes lined up from Quilpie, St George and Roma all the way into Toowoomba,” McGaw said.

“They’re all looking forward to it, putting aside their fears to get into the ring is nothing compared to what the people and families that might need a neurosurgeon go through.

“We’re going to split up into two teams and the banter is flying left, right and centre.

“James Gough is really talking it up – hopefully he’ll get put in his place.”

IBF Australian super lightweight champion Steven Spark’s clash with Chadd Collins headlines the card.

Collins, who will make his professional boxing debut, enters the fight following the withdrawal of Ty Telford.

Collins brings a wealth of kickboxing and Muay experience into the WBC Australian super lightweight title fight.

Tickets to the fight night at Toowoomba’s Rumours International are limited – purchasing information can be found on the TGW & Smithy’s Promotions Facebook page.

jason.gibbs@news.com.au