8:00am Thursday 22nd December 2011
By Ryan McCarthy
A CAGE fighting event should be brought back to Southend, according to Blues chief executive Tara Brady.
Boxer Mr Brady gave his backing to Southend’s Ultimate Warrior Challenge, which was banned by Southend Council after two boys, aged eight and nine, put on a demonstration in the ring.
Mr Brady, who has fought on a UWC bill, said: “I’m very disappointed with what’s happened.
“The shows are good for the town in a number of ways and are becoming quite a draw.
“They bring money into the area, a good vibe and entertainment for the locals and it encourages people, particularly teenagers, into gyms.”
The UWC events, which regularly attract more than 1,000 people to Garon Park leisure centre, are organised by Dan Burzotta, 37, from Westcliff.
Mr Brady, who trains at Mr Burzotta’s Team Sure Grip gym in London Road, Westcliff, added: “I’m not a fan of having children at these sort of events and agree they should not be there.
“But the demo was in no way putting the children in harm’s way, as there was no contact to the head. UWC has assured the council this will never happen again.”
The ban was put in place after two boys stepped into the ring for a rehearsed demonstration of Brazilian jiu-jitsu during an interval in the main show.
The choreographed routine did not involve any competition or either lad striking the other.
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