Friends with Amanet

Oakham based IT business, Amanet, has been a regular supporter of Friends of English Martyrs.

Based in Mill Street, Amanet can supply a huge range of IT requirements from computer hardware to software to multi-room music equipment!

Amanet have generously sponsored Andy 'The Saint' Sayers and are proud to support this blog.

For professional and comprehensive help with all your IT needs contact Amanet on 01572 770653

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Andy 'The Victorious Saint' Sayers

What an emotional evening last night turned out to be!

Here's a picture of Andy 'The Saint' Sayers as he left Oakham yesterday afternoon to head off down to London for the fight of his life

And here's the hero, our Saint on his return this morning to Oakham

Sporting a black eye and a fat lip, the boxing champion of Oakham is pleased to be home and extremely grateful for the tremendous support he's received. 

"It was a superb evening in a great venue and the organisers did a great job. There was a tremendous camaraderie amongst all the boxers and the backstage atmosphere was amazing.

We had to get to the venue quite early for our pre-fight medical which meant that there was plenty of time for the nerves to build up. But that all went by the time I'd walked through the curtains and was stood in my corner with my trainer, Ben Doughty, who has been an amazing mentor throughout the last 3 months.

Once in the ring, though, I tried to remember everything I've learned in training and to keep the pace up. A flurry of straight punches with a left hook here and there soon had my opponent on the back foot. I felt really good in the first round but by the second round I'd taken a few heavy shots from Billy and I had a lump under my eye! The Referee spotted it but the ringside Doctors said it was ok to carry on fighting as the swelling wasn't obstructing my vision. As I went into the third round I increased the intensity further and kept going with straight shots. These proved extremely effective in both raining blows on Billy and also wearing him down. In the last half minute I was still going strong but Billy was clearly out of puff.

It was an anxious few moments as the Referee stood between Billy and me whilst we waited for the winner to be announced. But when the Ref raised my right hand as the Winner I felt absolutely jubilant. It was a fantastic feeling and I'm so pleased to come home to Oakham with the Winners Trophy."

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The Saint's a WINNER !!!!!!

Facing a fearless opponent, Andy The Saint Sayers gave everything he had and came out victorious!!!!! 

Right from the off, The Saint landed most of the big hits and used his phenomenal strength and speed to his advantage.  By the second round, The Saint had the edge on his opponent and looked comfortable.  The crowd went wild with support for both fighters but it was clearly going to be The Saint's night. 

Apparently, he doesn't look much like a winner and ice is being applied liberally to his face and eyes by his trainer, Ben Doughty.

Having just spoken to Andy he was jubilant at his win and relieved not to have let his supporters down.

"I'm just so relieved" he said "It was a good match against a great opponent and I feel great!"

The Saint is in the ring

keep 'em crossed chaps, our man Andy is in the ring !

More news to follow!!!

A valiant effort from Nick the Hack

Nick The Hack Booth was a defiant opponent but was a last minute replacement for Jason The Tosh Destroyer Phillips opponent who was unable to complete his training and compete this evening.  With only 3 weeks training, Nick did an amazing job and congratulations go to both men for a splendid effort.

.....

Another KO

Another Knock Out seems to have taken place in the second bout.

Andy The Saint Sayers and Billy The Raging Bull Turnbull have just entered the ring!!!!

Breaking News!

Nick 'The Hack' Booth knocked out in first bout! 

More details as it comes in to The Saint's HQ.

First Bell !

The first bell has just sounded and as promised we'll try to bring you all the news from the ring!

The Saint passed his medical earlier this afternoon and is due to step into the ring at 19:45hrs.

Keep your fingers crossed and remember to say a prayer for Oakham's finest boxer!

We'll keep you posted!

 

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The Real McCoy

The charity boxing match for Sport Relief that was held earlier this year featured UK soul star Lemar and GMTV presenter Ben Shephard. They battled it out in the ring and raised a lot of money for charity.

However, despite receiving training advice from Amir Khan and Ricky Hatton, Lemar and Shephard only had to box 3x 90second rounds.

Andy 'The Saint' Sayers will be boxing 3x 2minute rounds which is exactly the same as all amateur boxing bouts. (Professional bouts last 3 minutes)

This is further proof, if proof were needed, that this is no walk in the park. Andy's training has been tough, challenging and relentless. He's had to prepare for tomorrow nights fight in the same way any amateur boxer would train but only having the benefit of 3 months to get ready.

This is boxing, the real McCoy!

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JUST RELEASED - AMAZING AUCTION PRIZES

Here at 'The Saint's' HQ, we've just been contacted by the organisers of the CRN Fight Night and have a sneak preview of the amazing prizes that will be auctioned for all the charities on the night.

We couldn't keep this information to ourselves and thought we'd share it with you!  (If you can't make it on the night, you can still bid by telephone with your credit card - 07811 365071)

Auction Lots

Lot 1 – Signed Portsmouth Football Shirt - Winners of the FA Cup

As proud sponsors of FA Cup winners Premier League football club Portsmouth, OKI Printing Solutions is delighted to donate for auction a signed shirt by the first team.

This could be your chance to own a shirt signed by the first team including David James, Sol Campbell, Milan Baros and Jermain Defoe.

A great gift for family and friends, young and old!

Lot 2 - Classic iPod and state-of-the-art Sabre stereo speakers/ docking station

If you don’t have one, you should! Nortel have kindly donated this Classic iPod. Why should you have to choose what to put on your iPod? With up to 160GB of storage, Classic iPod lets you carry everything in your collection — up to 40,000 songs or up to 200 hours of video — everywhere you go. In a new, even thinner, all-metal design, this iPod is a modern classic.

Made especially for the iPod and generously donated by AMD, these powerful and high-quality Sabre stereo speakers will give you a crisp clear sound for all your music. Inserts for all different iPods are included.

These items come as one lot, so get bidding!

Lot 3 – Royal Windsor Racecourse – Monday Night Races

Royal Windsor Racecourse (www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk) is the UK’s only flat figure-of-eight racecourse. Situated on an island in the River Thames, the racecourse is known for its Royal patronage and popular Monday Night Racing fixtures which run from April to August this year.

Royal Windsor Racecourse is delighted to offer 10 of its Club Packages for one of the Summer Monday Night Racing evenings. The lucky group will enjoy a two-course meal in the Club Restaurant within the original Victorian Grandstand, premier Club Enclosure badges, race cards for the evening and free car parking.

Lot 4 – Mercedes-Benz – The ultimate driving experience

Feel the dream and prepare to experience the most awe-inspiring cars in the Mercedes-Benz range with the superlative power, control and technological wizardry of AMG.

Mercedes-Benz has kindly donated this incredible AMG Driving Experience which will be perfect for the car lovers among you. During this half day at the Mercedes-Benz World, you will master the art of driving a powerful car selected from their AMG range.

AMG cars are the pinnacle of their classes and the professional drivers will show your delegates how to master one.

· Spend time discovering how to control an AMG on the handling circuits.

· Experiment with the principles of oversteer and understeer.

· Take the car on a slalom course to test its balance and handling abilities.

· Experience the effects of too much power on a slippery surface and hone your skills to control that power.

· Endeavour to perfect a continual sideways slide around the Wet Skid Circle.

Can you handle it?

Lot 5 – Hospitality tickets to see Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium 

The Emirates Stadium provides Arsenal and its supporters with one of the best sporting arenas in the world.

CMS Peripherals has generously donated two hospitality tickets to see a game during the 2008/2009 season at the Emirates Stadium.

The 60,000 seat state-of-the-art stadium is the most technologically advanced in Europe, providing magnificent pitch views and modern facilities throughout.

You will have the chance to experience top-quality football at one of the best stadiums in Europe, as well as the unrivalled hospitality facilities and the best views of the action.

** CMS Peripherals and CRN cannot guarantee which match will be available in the 2008/2009 season **

Lot 6 – Tickets to Status Quo and Accommodation - The NEC, Birmingham

The NEC has very kindly donated two tickets to see one of the UK’s best loved bands, Status Quo, in their traditional winter tour of the UK on 22 December 2008.

Visiting venues the length and breadth of the country, the “Pictures – 40 Years of Hits” offers Quo’s army of fans the chance to experience the magic of this truly seminal British rock act. One of the world’s most enduring and successful live acts, the mighty Quo have influenced a generation of musicians and entertained millions with their driving, no-nonsense brand of rock.

To round off your evening, Event Express has kindly donated a complimentary night B&B at the Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC.

Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC offers luxurious accommodation located in the heart of England. All the contemporary style and simple elegance you need and on the doorstep of the NEC!

This could be a great Christmas present, so get bidding!

Lot 7 – Exclusive tickets to the Donington World Superbike Race

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all racing fans!

Xerox, as proud sponsors of the Donington World Superbike Race, has generously donated two limited tickets for the race on 6 & 7 September 2008.

Your tickets will include:

- Exclusive entrance into the Official Ducati Xerox Team Marquee (Xerox has only 40 guests on each day). 

- Xerox customers and guests sit with the Ducati Team, in a relaxed environment.

- Food consists of an amazing Italian style hot and cold buffet, and tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks available all day.

- Unique garage tour to see the team in action

- Items of merchandise

- Pit Lane pass - At an allocated time you will have access to walk up and down the pit lane and look into other team garages and get autographs.

- Photo opportunities with the riders and team

- Tour of the Junior Team Garage. The Ducati Xerox Junior Superstock Team are our riders of the future who compete in the Superstock 1000 Cup.

You can’t buy these tickets! Don’t miss out. Make your bid!

Lot 8 – One night stay at the exclusive Grove Hotel, Hertfordshire

The Grove, located in the South of England, has everything you’d expect from a grand luxury country house hotel - but with a twist.  The service is genuinely welcoming and friendly, certainly not stuffy.  The Grove’s unique style is a mix of traditional elegance and hip, contemporary design which they call “groovy grand”.

With 300 acres of park and woodlands, an award-winning spa, world championship golf course and three restaurants, there are so many reasons to get into The Grove.

Hotelbrokers (HBI), has donated a one-night stay for two people at the luxurious The Grove Hotel, Hertfordshire. Your package will include:

· One night’s stay for two people in a superior room at The Grove Hotel

· Breakfast for two people

This could be a chance to spoil the special someone in your life or maybe get away from it all and play a round of golf at their championship golf course for the weekend.

** This offer is only valid until 31^st December 2008

Lot 9 – Platinum Table at the CRN Channel Awards 2008

The Channel Awards, now in its 15th year, is the industry’s most prestigious and respected event. The awards reflect and acknowledge the strength, adaptability and resilience of the companies operating within the channel. The awards night itself is quite simply the biggest night of the year for the IT industry in the UK.

This lot includes one platinum table to the awards for 10 guests including:

Champagne & canapé VIP welcome reception
10 bottles of house wine
2 magnum bottles of champagne
5 bottles of mineral water
3 course meal and coffee
After dinner liquors
Exclusive entertainment at your table

It normally retails at £3,495, so get your wallets ready!!

Lot 10 - Cricket Bat signed by Six former England Captains

This could be your chance to own a cricket bat signed by six English cricketing legends including:

Graham Gooch

Ian Botham

Alec Stewart

Mike Gatting

Mike Atherton

Nasser Hussain

Together, these cricketing superstars amassed more than 40,000 test runs, won Ashes series and represent the finest cricketing talents of their generations.

This lot has been donated generously by Matchpoint the specialists in hospitality across the range of major sports and arts events throughout the UK, Mainland Europe and Australia.

If you are a cricket fan, this is a must-have!

Lot 11 – 4 x VIP Hospitality Tickets to the British Golf Open at Royal Birkdale

The Open Championship is one of the world's greatest sporting events and not only could you be there, but you could be there in style!

Match Point, the specialist in corporate hospitality, has donated four VIP hospitality tickets for the British Open on Sunday 20 July.

Your VIP hospitality includes:

* Course admission badge

* Itinerary with maps and directions

* Reserved tables within the official on site hospitality area (Private tables for 8-12 guests)

* Morning coffee and bacon rolls

* Four course luncheon

* Afternoon tea

* Champagne reception prior to lunch

* Selected fine wines with lunch

* Complimentary bar throughout the day

* Championship program per guest

* Daily draw sheet, results and tee-off times

* Reserved car parking pass (1 pass per 4 guests)

* Event managers and hostesses in attendance

* Courtesy umbrellas

* Courtesy binoculars

Can you afford to miss out on this exceptional experience?

 

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Getting ready to rumble..

So the long awaited CRN Fight Night is a mere 48 hours away.  All the contenders are probably beginning to get a little 'stage fright' by now. 

If you're wondering what's happening on the big night, here's the running order: (The Saint takes his turn in the ring for the 3rd fight of the evening)

RED: Jason 'The Tosh Destroyer' Phillips V BLUE: Nick ‘The Hack’ Booth
RED: Paul 'The Hammer' Harvey V BLUE: Steve 'Mean - Time' Mason
RED: Andy' The SAINT' Sayers V BLUE: Billy “The Raging” Turnbull

Dinner

RED: Mike 'The Madman' Cumby V BLUE: Gary 'The G-Man' Olive
RED: Jamie 'Gentleman Jim’ Stewart V BLUE: Adrian 'The Machine' Sunderland
RED: Ross 'The Rossinator' Woodhurst V BLUE: Darren ‘Silverback’ Clare
RED: Stuart “ The Judgment “ Jarvis  V BLUE: Andy “The Punisher” Butterfield
RED: Zac ‘the educator’ Phillips V BLUE: Steve 'Easy' Vaughan

The evening kicks off at 1830 with a Champagne Reception.  The First Bell for the first 3 fights of the evening is at 19:00 followed by the first round of Auctions and Dinner is served at 20:10.  At 21:30 the Second Bell is rung for the remaining fights and further auctions.  The Bar opens at 23:00 with Carriages at 01:00.

So you wanna be a boxer...

As Andy 'The Saint' Sayers continues his training for the remaining few days before the big Fight Night, here are a few tips on ringside lingo:

'Southpaw' - a left handed boxer (leads with his right hand).  It seems that the term actually originates from Baseball - a lefty player literally using his south facing 'paw' - and was adopted by boxers.

'Orthodox' - a right handed boxer

'Queensbury Rules' - the code of generally accepted rules in boxing and named after the 9th Marquess of Queensberry who endorsed the code.  Both professional and amateur boxing matches abide by the rules that were originally written by John Graham Chambers in 1865 and published in 1867 as 'the Queensberry rules for the sport of boxing."

'Below the belt' - an illegal strike between a line from the navel to the top of the hips.

'Block' - when someone obstructs their opponent's punch with some part of their own arm or hand.

'Break' - the referee can instruct boxers to break apart from holding onto one another instead of throwing punches (known as a clinch).

'Cut men' - they're the chaps who help between rounds to patch up the boxers when they're hurt

'Standing eight-count' - a count of 8 from the referee to decide whether a boxer is fit to continue.

Click here for international boxing news

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You are what you eat!

One of the down sides to the amount of exercise that Andy has been doing throughout his training is that he's in danger of being permanently hungry!

With the level of fitness that Andy's been trying to achieve it's been important for him to have the right balance of nutrition and fluids.  An average guy of his height and weight should be looking to take in a daily calorie allowance of around 2,500 Kcal.  Boxing eats through calories at an amazing 1035 calories per hour.  Combine that with 518 calories being lost through an hour of weight training and a further 690 calories spent on sit-ups and press-ups and with all that exertion, you need plenty of carbs and protein to keep you going.

Andy is unable to eat foods with gluten in them so that means having to say no to pasta, bread, pastry, biscuits, some sauces or anything else made with flour. 

Alcohol too has been restricted and regular tea and coffee have been replaced by Green Tea or Camomile Tea.

To counter the extremes of his training regime, Andy has been ensuring that he eats plenty of protein.  Not only does this help with the development and repair of muscle tone but also helps him not to feel hungry quite so quickly.  For those of you who've ever tried the Atkins diet, you'll know that when you eat foods that are high in protein, like fish, chicken, nuts and eggs, it helps you to feel fuller for longer.

Andy uses Maximuscle products to help him monitor and maintain his dietary needs.  He mixes Maximuscle Promax powder into a protein-shake to boost his protein intake between meals.  Similarly, a Maximuscle meal supplement bar adds precious nutrients to help Andy cope with the rigours of training. 

If, like Andy, you train really hard you'll know that you sweat a lot too.  To keep his fluid levels balanced, Andy will drink between 4 and 6 litres of water a day depending on his training schedule and that's not including cups of Green Tea! 

Becoming 'The Saint' has had plenty of challenges for Andy but he's shown he has the commitment, determination and will-power to succeed. 

If you have a message of support for Andy or haven't had time to make a donation please get in touch - every little bit helps!

Click here to send an email to 'The Saint'!

 

Technorati Tags: diet,protein,power of protein,maximuscle,protein shake,balanced,recovery,calories,fluids,carbs,nutrition,boxing,gluten,coeliac

More local businesses show their support

With a little under 2 weeks to go before Andy 'The Saint' Sayers steps into the ring, Sam Clemons has been in touch from his family run business, Hortus Ligneous, in Melton Mowbray.

Hortus Ligneous use traditional methods of construction to produce bespoke exterior timber products. By using quality materials and techniques handed down through three generations they have become one of the finest gate manufacturers in the county.

Sam's wife, Charlotte, runs the highly successful and much acclaimed Jumping Beanz fitness clubs for children.

This enterprising couple have made a donation to show their support for Andrew's fundraising efforts and  have taken time out of their busy schedules to wish him lots of luck and success on May 29th.

"Andrew's dedication to his training has been phenomenal.  Everyone at Hortus Ligneous and Jumping Beanz looks forward to seeing a winning result for 'The Saint' "  Sam & Charlotte Clemons

 

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Training: WEEK TEN

As the big day looms ever closer, here's another peak at Andy's training diary:

"What a week! As I write this I am very sore from training and I’ve still got my run to do this evening. With my overall fitness much improved the main focus has been on sparring against opponents of various sizes, styles and abilities.

Most of my sparring partners have turned out to be more experienced boxers than me, so it’s been tough and I have to confess to feeling a little battered and bruised. Overall I think I acquitted myself quite well.

The combinations are starting to work and speed, timing and power have definitely improved. Still plenty to work on but with 4 weeks to go it’s coming together.

My trainer, Ben Doughty, is happy with where we are and that’s encouraging too.

Some people have even started asking me what I'll do when the big fight is over, will I keep boxing? All I can think about is May 29th at the moment but I think I'm going to miss this level of competitive sport."

If you've got a suggestion about what 'The Saint' should do after May 29th, have your say and leave a comment after this post...all publishable comments will appear on the blog! Should he hang up his gloves or is there something else he should turn his talents too?