BOXERS from as far afield as Chicago put on their gloves to raise cash for soldiers wounded in Afghanistan.

Last night organisers of the Rumble at the Regal Centre, in Wallingford, said they had raised £7,000 for The Rifles’ Care for Casualties Appeal.

Casualties from the regiment had ringside seats for the South Moreton Boxing Club’s matches, while eight bugle players kicked off the fights with a fanfare.

Boxing club head coach John Houston said: “We had a fantastic night, we were over the moon with how it went and it was brilliantly supported by The Rifles.

“The guys really put their all into it, everything went like clockwork.

“It was great how it all came together.

“The highlight of the night was The Rifles’ involvement and the eight buglers’ fanfare to start the evening – it was a great spectacle and was great to be able to do something for them.”

About 450 people turned out for the seventh white-collar boxing gala night, which are held every six months for a different charity.

A policeman, solicitor and a hedge fund manager were among the boxers who took part in 10 fights to support the wounded of the Army’s largest infantry regiment.

One fighter, Will Mander, who grew up in Botley, flew in from Chicago, USA, where he now lives, to take part.

More than 50 friends arrived in two coaches from The George pub, in Botley Road, Oxford, to see him score a first-round knockout over Jon Alder.

Ian “Digger” Beasley was among those who cheered on their friend in the ring.

He said: “It was a good evening as it was all for charity, that’s what it’s all about.

“We all knew each other from the pub and we know Will through work – he still has a house in Botley.”

The evening included big-screen video introductions, lasers, ring girls and the Waterloo Band of 7th Battalion The Rifles to build up the atmosphere.

In the crowd were three former boxers from The Rifles’ own team, who can no longer box after sustaining injuries in Afghanistan.

Two were shot on their tours of duty, a third, now undergoing rehabilitation, lost both legs and an eye in an explosion.

The Rifles, who have been granted the Freedom of Wallingford, have sustained more deaths and injuries in Afghanistan than any other regiment.

More than 50 soldiers have been killed and 250 wounded in the past two years.

jrivett@oxfordmail.co.uk