The first SBC Charity Boxing Championship, in partnership with Oliver’s Wish Foundation, will see some of the biggest names in the gaming industry going toe-to-toe in the ring to raise thousands of pounds for good causes.

The Championship was initially scheduled for April 2020 but could not take place due to the coronavirus pandemic. Two years later, SBC and Oliver’s Wish Foundation are once again inviting the industry to enjoy the white-collar boxing night and show their support for an initiative with a good cause.

This unique black tie event will be hosted by former England and British Lions rugby star and TV personality James Haskell along with Sky F1 host Natalie Pinkham and takes place on 11 November 2022 at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton on Park Lane, London. More than 500 guests will be treated to a champagne reception and a gala dinner, but the most eagerly-anticipated attraction of the night is the action in the boxing ring.

Twelve familiar faces will be transformed from gaming industry executives into kings of the ring when they lace up the gloves and trade blows to raise much-needed funds for three charities supported by Oliver’s Wish Foundation. 

The card features six evenly-matched three-round bouts: 

• Leon Thomas (Managing Director and Group Strategy, Entain) v Nick Wright (SVP Business Development, Interactive at Bally’s Corporation)
• Mark Woollard (Managing Director, Banijay Brands) v Rokas Daugirdas (Compliance Manager, BetGames)
• Boris Chaikin (iGaming Executive) v Luke Cousins (Director, Koneksi Partners)
• Michael Brady (CEO, Eyas Gaming) v Tony Plaskow (Commercial Director, Black Cow Technology)
• Brandon Walker (Business Development Director, Amelco) v Jan Urbanec (CEO, Endorphina) 
• Daniel Beard (Partner, Partis Solutions) v Vasilije Lekovic (VP Gaming, Trustly)

Oliver’s Wish Foundation was founded in memory of Oliver Dowling, who tragically passed away in his sleep in the autumn of 2015. It raises funds for a range of charities that are focused on the support of children and young people.

The money raised by the gaming industry at the SBC Charity Boxing Championship will be distributed to SUDC UK, The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Chestnut Tree House.

Daniel Beard, one of the boxers and a driving force behind the Championship, said: “Oliver’s Wish Foundation continues to be a cause very close to my heart, and I wanted to do something special and innovative to help it raise funds.”

“Our original effort to run this event was for April 2020, but unfortunately, COVID-19 got in the way, so we are absolutely delighted to be able to re-launch the first-ever industry white collar boxing event. The large majority of boxers are still up for the challenge, and we are excited to put on an exhilarating fight night.”

“The generosity of the industry was staggering previously, with people and companies contributing their time to help organise the event, so we hope for the continued support this time round by sponsoring the Championship or buying tickets. Between them, they will raise a fantastic sum for three very important charities.”

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, said: “This Championship was meant to be one of the most memorable events of 2020, but our plans were sadly crushed by the pandemic. However, we remained focused on making this Championship happen and are finally bringing it to you this November.”

“Oliver’s Wish Foundation is doing an admirable job in raising awareness and money for charities, and SBC is honoured to support the organisation’s work. We are truly grateful and touched by the generosity that the gaming industry is showing.”

Companies supporting the SBC Charity Boxing Championship include Akur Capital, Amelco, Argyll Entertainment, Black Cow Technology, Bally’s Corporation, Banijay Brands, BetGames, Blueprint Gaming, Endorphina, Entain, Eyas Gaming, Eyecon, IGT, Koneksi, Microgaming, mkodo, Oakvale Capital, Parimatch, Partis Solutions, Pronet Gaming, Push Gaming, Random Colour Animal, Roxor Gaming, Soft2Bet, Square in the Air, Trustly, White Hat Gaming and Yggdrasil. 

Tables and individual tickets for the SBC Charity Boxing Championship are on sale, but now is the time to book, as they are being snapped up quickly.