No Holds Barred in Huddersfield

CAGE fighting is coming to Huddersfield – two years after it was dramatically banned by Kirklees Council.

The Visage Ethos complex is hosting 14 bouts of the no-holds-barred sport this weekend.

Organiser Dave Butlin, of Quannum Fitness and Combat Arts in Diggle, said: “Fans will get to see the sport of the future. Cage-fighting is the fastest-growing sport in the world and takes a lot of skill.”

Sunday’s event will feature several local fighters from Quannum, including Dave’s brother Ian Butlin from Edgerton. Seven competitors from Ireland, two from Holland and one Sweden will also take part.

There will be six B class pro bouts of two four-minute rounds and eight pro fights with three rounds of five minutes.

And Dave hopes the men from Quannum will enjoy performing in front of a local crowd.

He said: “It gives our guys a chance to test themselves in front of their friends. It will be good for them to see that all their training is worthwhile.”

In 2005, Kirklees Council banned a similar event which had been booked for Huddersfield Sports Centre.

On Sunday the event is taking place on non-council property so cannot be affected by any possible ban.

Dave said: “Visage has a sporting events licence. It’s a safer sport than boxing, but the council seemed to think it was some form of barbaric cock-fighting event. It was ridiculous.”

Tickets cost £20 for the event. Doors open at 6:30pm and the first fight is due to start an hour later.

For more information call Andy Butlin on 07899 020 101 or visit www.ianbutlin.com.

Source: ichuddersfield.icnetwork.co.uk