Editorial: Lacing up gloves for top cause

If you are going to get into the ring and hit somebody, it better be for a good reason in my view.
Pugilism has as many fans as it does detractors, of course, but it is a whole lot easier to support when the opponents have entered the ring with the express purpose of raising money for charity.
Panpac employees Dan Kirby, a former Magpie, and Paul Teddy, an assistant referee, have taken a bit of bar-room rivalry to an honourable place with an agreement to lace up the gloves and take each other on to raise funds for diabetes sufferers.
As Shane Hurndell reports on page four today, Dan and Paul are squaring off as part of the card for the August 27 Battle For Life charity event at the Hastings Sports Centre.
Dan's nephew, 11-year-old Connor Williams, was diagnosed with diabetes four years ago and relies on a $7000 built-in insulin pump. Connor's unsubsidised monthly costs amount to $200 and he can no longer play full-contact rugby because of his pump.
Paul, whose father Keith is a diabetic, is being trained for his bout by his 11-year-old son Patrick, who has done some boxing.
We can see the makings of a top night as good friends go toe to toe for a good cause.
So if boxing is your thing, or even if it is not your thing, you'd be supporting an excellent cause by buying a ticket to the Battle For Life.
"Helping to fill the stadium is the main aim for Paul and me," says Dan.
There are 11 bouts on the night.
Breakers hero and Hawks player-coach Paul Henare, whose team plays the semi-finals of the NBL tonight, will take on former All Black and Commonwealth Games Sevens gold medallist Roger Randle, in the headline fight.
Now they are two guys who know all about winning. I wouldn't want to be either of them facing the other.