The lure of the newest prize in white collar boxing tempted barristers, solicitors, clerks, police and clients out of their sharp suits and into shorts and boxing gloves. No5 Chambers won the overall team title, while fight of the night was between Brett Moloney of No5 Chambers and Gavin Tansley of Shakespeares. Earl Pinnock, a barrister at No5 Chambers who specialises in criminal cases, collected the Ralph Lewis QC Memorial Cup on behalf of the No5 Chambers’ team. 

“Six months ago, a stable of 30 fighters, men and women began a fitness and boxing training programme at the Fighting Fit City Gym in Lionel Street, Birmingham,” says Tony McDaid, Practice Director at No5 Chambers, promoters of the event. 

“The 30 were whittled down to half that number and these fighters, carefully matched on skill and fitness, were on the card of the headline event at The Burlington Hotel. They slugged it out in 8 bouts across the evening, each of 3 two-minute-rounds, and the winner was the fighter who received the most points.”

The main sponsor of the event was Wesleyan for Lawyers and Gary Newbon also chaired the charity auction and drew the raffle.

Former Head of No5 Chambers, Ralph Lewis QC, was a promising boxer while at Oxford University and it remained one of his twin sporting loves, the other being Welsh Rugby. He died in July 2010 after a short but courageously fought battle with cancer. His friends and colleagues at No5 Chambers decided that a charity boxing event would be a fitting memorial, with all proceeds going to Marie Curie. 

“This was a sell-out event and I should like to thank everyone for their generosity, from those who donated lots for the auction and prizes for the raffle to those who attended the dinner and, of course, the trainers and boxers who gave their all,” continues Tony. 

“Each hard-fought bout was a splendid example of the noble art, competitive and sporting, and the fighters earned the respect of their peers. Everyone who competed was a winner in my eyes, particularly given the gruelling training regime they underwent. My congratulations and thanks go to everyone who climbed into the ring, from those who began training six months ago to those who fought at The Burlington Hotel event.” 

The Card

  • Bout 1: John Maher, Commitments Protection Vs Michael Duck QC, No5 Chambers
  • Bout 2: Michael Wingrave, No5 Chambers Vs Joseph Kotrie-Monson, Mary Monson Solicitors
  • Bout 3: Earl Pinnock, No5 Chambers Vs Lee Dawe, BDG Manufacturing Ltd
  • Bout 4: Gavin Tansley, Shakespeares Vs Brett Moloney, No5 Chambers
  • Bout 5: Matthew Brunning, No5 Chambers Vs Andy Jones of SCC
  • Bout 6: Jinder Boora, No5 Chambers Vs Aaron Bell, West Midlands Police
  • Bout 7: Richard Cooke, No5 Chambers Vs Andrew Evans, Gateley LLP
  • Bout 8: Richard Cusworth, Mott MacDonald Vs Tim Pole, No5 Chambers

Anyone wanting more information about this event or looking to make a donation to Marie Curie on behalf of this event please visit www.justgiving.com/No5-Chambers-Ltd or call the No5 Chambers Marketing Team on 0845 210 5555.

Click here to view photographs from the event.