WORLD champion boxer Sam Soliman will return to the south-west next month to raise money for young cancer patient Ivy Steel.
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Fight4Ivy at the Flying Horse Bar and Brewery is aiming to raise more than $5000 for the Hamilton three-year-old, who is battling a rare form of leukaemia.
Rudy’s Boxing owner/manager Rodney Ryan said Soliman was Warrnambool’s adopted son.
“Sam will come down and spar with some local people,” he said.
“To get in the ring with the world champion will be a real thrill for some people.”
Mr Ryan said 10 rounds with Soliman would be auctioned off on Facebook prior to the event on August 10.
“There will be some bouts with local up-and-coming boxers and national boxers Bianca Slater, Cherneeka Johnson and Adriana Smith who are preparing for the world title trials.”
Soliman will also host a luncheon and will give a blow-by-blow recount of his winning world title fight.
Mr Ryan said this was a unique opportunity to hear from the champion.
“He’ll also talk about his lead up and nutrition,” he said.
“It will be a highlight.”
Mr Ryan said previous fundraising boxing days had raised about $5000 for local cancer sufferers Bailey Delaney and Regan Squires, as well as the Leila Rose Foundation.
“It’s good to give something back,” he said.
“Sam loves coming down here. He has probably raised more than $20,000 for local charities over the last few years.”
Ivy was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when she was two years old.