A pair of pub regulars who have been at loggerheads for years finally settled their differences – with a charity boxing match in the car park.
Paul Martin, 49, and Andrew Blundson, 50, have taunted each other for years with lively debates while enjoying a beer at The Forester’s Arms in Holywell, Somerset.
So they decided to settle their differences with a sponsored punch-up organised by fellow drinker Mick Cowlam.
More than 300 people turned up to watch tree surgeon Paul and Andrew, a painter and decorator, slug it out in a makeshift boxing ring in the car park.
The light heavyweights fought toe-to-toe for three 30 second rounds in a specially constructed boxing ring with, Paul coming out on top.
Paul floored his rival twice during the bout with the three judges handing him the victory on points.
He said: “I was tense before the fight and we were both a bit nervous.
“Andrew thought I fought a bit hard but you can’t really hold back when you’re fighting each other.
“He wasn’t very happy afterwards but he had every chance to knock me down too.
“We’ve made up now though and we had a pint together last night. We’re mates again and it was a really good day.”
Mr Ebsworth, business development manager at the pub, helped arrange the fight.
They laid woodchip on the bottom of the car park and had a ring constructed with the judges and referee dressed in bow ties, giving the fight a professional feel.
The fight has helped raise more than £2,000 for St Margaret’s Hospice, Devon and Somerset Air Ambulance and Help for Heroes.
Bar manager Charlotte Wroe added: “They were going to have a sumo wrestling fight but decided to have a sparring session instead.
“They didn’t hold back and really went for each other. It was a great turnout.”
Anyone who would like to donate should visit www.justgiving.com/teams/
