From boardroom to boxing ring (From This is Hampshire)

From boardroom to boxing ring

9:18am Thursday 12th November 2009

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HE’S more used to boardroom dust-ups than fisticuffs, but Peter Harding, one of the region’s best known businessmen, is stepping into the ring to do battle tonight.

Just two weeks shy of his 50th birthday, the Hamble-based property investor, who made a fortune from the sale of plumbing merchants Jayhard in 2003, is to fight an estate agent half his age.

A packed house is expected at the De Vere Grand Harbour hotel for the three-round white collar boxing match tonight, but one person who won’t be there is Peter’s mum.

“Years back my mum wouldn’t let me go boxing and the truth is I haven’t told her about this time. I wouldn’t dare. I’m keeping her and my good lady and the daughters away,” he said.

“I think the boardroom is easier than being in the boxing ring but in a warped sort of way I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been wanting to do it for ages and it’s not going to get any easier with my 50th birthday in two weeks’ time.

“If you look at last week’s fight with David Haye and Valuev, the underdog won. Given the age difference I think you’ve got to say I’m the underdog but that’s the best way to be.”

His opponent Billy Harrow, 25, who works for Thurman Rye in Netley, said: “I know Peter, he’s bought properties from us and we’ve sold them for him, but it’s still going to be all guns blazing. There’s no holding back.”

Tickets for tonight’s fight, which also includes Muay Thai boxing and mixed martial arts, are available from Millbank Gym on 07768 008844.