Irani set for a for kicking benefit night

The highlight of Ronnie Irani's benefit year - a professional kickboxing and martial arts show - is to be held at Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre at Chelmsford on October 4. It will feature Europe's leading kickboxers battling it out for European and World Title bouts in a televised event, plus martial arts and weapons demonstrations. All proceeds are in aid of the Ronnie Irani Benefit Fund.

Ronnie won't be taking part himself, especially as he has just had a major knee operation, but he is usually the first in the ring. Since moving to Essex from Lancashire, he has used kickboxing as a way of preparing for the past six seasons.

"I really enjoy kickboxing and find the training helps to develop many of the fitness attributes which I need for my cricket training," Ronnie said. "As a teenager I found that the martial arts training involved with the kickboxing helped give me focus and direction and I feel it is a great thing for youngsters and all ages to get involved in."

Tickets go on sale from tomorrow and are available from The Fitness Academy Martial Art Centre, Church Road, Boreham tel. 01245 467680 and Terrence Hill Bespoke Tailors Maldon Road Great Baddow tel. 01245 471193.