A CHARITY boxing event was suddenly cancelled just two days prior to the big night after concerns were raised.

Giles Carter, a boxing coach and promoter, from Southend, was gutted after his sell-out event was ditched by organisers at Fusion Lifestyle.

The event due to take place on Saturday at Chase Sports and Fitness Centre at Chase High School was booked six weeks ago.

Mr Carter says he has been left massively out of pocket and having to find another venue or he will have to refund hundreds of tickets.

Mr Carter said: “The event was to raise money for Cancer Research in aid of one of the fighter’s four-year-old son who has cancer.

“I have run many successful boxing events in the last three years, and many abroad. Peewee Adams and James Springer who are title fighters, had up to 40 hotel bookings in Southend for their friends and family. 

“The fighters have trained so hard.

“We wanted the fans to have a superb night of boxing. I have spent over £1,000 on licensing all the equipment - the ring, tables and chairs hire, the flyers, the DJ and so on. I’ve done everything that was asked of me for this to happen two days before. It is totally unfair. 

“I received an email to say they have to cancel it and that’s final.

“I cancelled taking a fighter to Miami last weekend so I could host the event.”

Mr Carter was told by Fusion that both Chase High School and Southend Council had raised concerns surrounding the booking and their affiliation to it, citing the activity of boxing did not fit in line with school policy.

A spokesperson for Southend Council, said: “Whilst Fusion Lifestyle run Chase Sports and Fitness Centre on behalf of the council, the council did not ask for this event to be cancelled at short notice and our only involvement has been from a licensing perspective. 

“This was acknowledged by staff and no objections were raised by the relevant council departments regarding this.”

Fusion Lifestyle and Chase High School were approached for comment but did not respond.