In a clearing stands a boxer.......

Today's blip comes courtesy of my daughter Rachel.

She works at BUPA, Salford Quays.

She emailed a friend to enquire about when they were going for lunch and received a reply that he was going at 2 to The Lowry to see the weigh-in. Not being a big boxing fan Rach wasn't clear on the significance, but he explained it was the weigh-in for the David Haye-Audley Harrison WBA World heavyweight title fight:Best of Enemies.

It seems the tickets for the weigh-in haven't been selling too well so the promoters had released 1000 free tickets, first come, first served!

Rach jiggled her work around and off they went.

The weigh-in wasn't just for the big fight, but for 6 other fights as well. One of the boxers looked a tad over weight...and so it proved to be...he has to drop from 9st 8lb to 8st 1lb over night! Don't think he's going to make it somehow.

The big event began, loud music, flashing lights, Lennox Lewis and lots of men in suits. Harrison appeared first and then came Haye accompanied by his "Belt carrier" and wearing a "No, you can't" T-shirt. The shirt is in response to Harrison's "Yes, I can" reply to the question, "Can you take the title?"

Harrison weighed 18st 1lb and Haye 15st 1lb 8oz.

Next was the compulsory staring contest, then the mock sparring until finally Lewis stepped in as peacemaker.

The quote of the day came from a little old lady standing behind Rachel who turned to her husband and uttered the immortal line....."Well, as far as I'm concerned that David Haye can wander around in his boxers for as long as he likes"!!!!!

Thanks for the photo and the story Rach.

As they say in the boxing world...."Let's get ready to ruuumble!!!"

Das vidanya and have a good weekend.