Ayr business bos set for ring debut

Dec 3 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

HE’S the self-styled bad boy who’s ready to take a beating for charity.

But business chief Johnny Finnie says defeat in the ring could make him Mr Popular.

The boss of Pirate Pete’s play centre will make his boxing debut at this Saturday’s Project Mayhem event.

Standing on the opposite side of the ring will be a former Scottish amateur boxing champion.

And Johnny, who’s set for best man duties at a wedding just 24 hours later, is praying he doesn’t land a shiner.

He laughed: “My wife Samantha is disgusted with me and is refusing to come and watch.

“I’m best man for my mate Campbell on Sunday, but I’m a bit worried about showing up with two black eyes.

“His fiancé seems to think it’s a joke and doesn’t reckon I’ll go through with it, but I’m committed now.”

Facing Finnie will be ex-ring king George MacPhail, who now works with homeless charity SeAscape.

Both brawlers will be raising cash for the group which helps people with housing needs find accomodation.

George, 37, insisted: “I may have been a boxer in my time, but I haven’t stepped in a ring for 17 years.

“I expect Johnny to put up a great fight and I hear he’s been training, so we’ll see what he’s got.”

But Johnny laughed off claims about an even tale of the tape and reckons he could be heading for a mauling.

And he admits that would go down well among the capacity crowd set to pack Ayr’s Citadel.

Johnny, 41, confessed: “I’m sure there’s a few people who’d find it funny to see me get a doing.

“I’ve already sold 40 tickets and most of those are from mates of mine who just want the entertainment of me losing.

“But the main thing is we’re doing it for a great charity and that will always be most important.

“I’m just hoping I don’t end the day staring at the ceiling.”

Both fighters are part of a packed card which features boxing, MMA and Muay Thai bouts.

The action kicks off at noon. Tickets are available from the fighters or from the Wossobama Gym on 07885 348 652.