LOCAL BUSINESS FIGHTS FOR FATHER BOB

For decades, outspoken South Melbourne Parish Priest, Father Bob Maguire has been fighting for the less fortunate. But now the tables have turned, with contenders fighting for Father Bob, aiming to raise $50,000 for a food van for his Foundation.

In a financial climate where charities are battling for donations, this is one fight where everybody wins. Mick and Selina Hargraves, owners of Port Melbourne's BoxingFit came up with the idea of the Fight for Father Bob, as a way of giving back to the man who helped Mick's family and friends when he was growing up in the Port Melbourne housing commission area.

Mick saw, first hand, how people like Father Bob and boxing great, Henry Nissen helped the needy.

Today, Mick, together with his wife, Selina, has used the skills he learnt on the streets of Port Melbourne to build one of the country's most successful boxing and weight loss centres, and is now in a position to give back to the man who helped him.

Father Bob is no stranger to controversy and has embraced this unique fundraising event for his Foundation.

BoxingFit is looking for corporate fight contenders to train for three months (starting on 6th September) and fight off for the Father Bob Belt in December. All the money raised from the fight night will go towards purchasing a food van for the Father Bob Maguire Foundation, just in time for Christmas, when people are in desperate need of help.

Potential contenders will be trained by qualified, experienced boxers and in three months will be super-fit and ready to fight.

Before training has even started, things are looking interesting, with rival real estate agencies, Cayzer Real Estate and Biggin and Scott and Frank Gordon, all entering competitors!

BoxingFit is also calling on local businesses to donate goods for the charity auction on fight night, as well as buy tickets to the fight.

Tickets cost $69.00. Ticket price includes nibbles, Champagne, wine and beer. Along with a full card of fights, the night will also feature exhibition fights with pro boxers, an auction and celebrity guests.

Boxingfit would like to thank Michael Szulc from Cayzer Real Estate, David Lack from Biggin and Scott, John Simpson from Frank Gordon, Lisa Gilbert from Channel Seven, Phillip O'Keffee from 1300 Record and journalist, Mischa Merz, who are all fighting for a good cause on 3rd December.

This isn't just another charity boxing match - our fight night will feature real people who have learned to fight, all in the name of charity!

For more information, or to arrange interviews with any of the people involved in the Fight for Father Bob, please phone BoxingFit on 1300 269-348.