GUY Fawkes Night is approaching but if you want to witness an alternative display of fireworks, a red-hot card of boxing in Builth Wells later this month is sure to provide a few sparks.

The ‘Hammer Time at the Horse’ event is being put on by Danny ‘Dig’ Davies, who previously fought former Wales rugby behemoth Andy Powell in a charity boxing bout in 2019.

Davies also spent Christmas Day that year sleeping rough on the streets of Cardiff to raise money for the homeless, and proceeds from the November 20 event will again be donated to local good causes – including the Bracken Trust in Davies’ hometown of Llandrindod Wells, as well as the Macmillan Cancer Centre in Hereford.

The boxing bonanza, being held at Builth’s White Horse pub by Davies' Big Dig Promotions, gets underway at 5.30pm, and Davies promises it will be a knockout evening.

County Times: Danny 'Dig' Davies (right) at one of his previous events Danny 'Dig' Davies (right) at one of his previous events

“After what seems an eternity from being in the ring with former Wales and British & Irish Lions forward Andy Powell, I’m glad to announce that we’re finally back after a two-year break due to Covid and the restrictions,” said local businessman Davies, who put on the initial event two years ago at Penmaenau Farm, just outside Builth.

Nearly 600 people packed into a farm shed more used to housing sheep or Royal Welsh Show revellers every July to see Davies take on 23-times capped Wales flanker Powell, who toured with the 2009 Lions to South Africa.

Powell, from nearby Brecon, and Davies concocted the plan for a bout after sharing a pint. Powell put his opponent on the floor in the first round but Davies fought back and landed a few meaty blows of his own before the fight ended prematurely when Davies received an uncomfortable blow to his ribs. He carried on but early into the second round took a knee and his corner threw in the towel, declaring Powell the winner.

“There will be eight local lads fighting, who are training out of Nick’s Boxing Gym in Llandrindod under the watchful eye of coach Martin Thomas,” added Davies, who has previously put on three other events.

“As ever, some of the fighters have experience and some are having a go for the first time after weeks of training hard with Martin.

“For me personally I love these events. There has been nothing like them in Mid Wales before. We put on a whole night of entertainment with live music and a DJ, as well a few celebrity guests.

“Covid put a huge halt to the events so it’s taken until now to get back up and running safely so all that attend can enjoy a great evening.”

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Besides the boxing, the evening will be full of entertainment, including music, a raffle and a celebrity meet and greet, with Chasa Real Talk and Ex on the Beach contestant Jack Devlin making appearances.

Around 30 VIP tables have already been snapped up but there are tickets available on the night too, for £30, although people are advised to get their early as the event is already almost sold out.

The return show will be an especially poignant one for Davies, who lost his mother Kay to cancer earlier this year.

“Sadly, during lockdown, my mum, who I’m dedicating this show to, lost her battle with lung cancer just 11 months after being diagnosed,” Davies said.

“This has left a huge hole in my life and I know that doing these events she will looking down making sure all ends well this time.

“Over the previous shows I’ve had my mum right by my side; she played such a huge role before, during and after the events, making them all run as smooth as possible.

“We started the shows together and over the past few years have raised £9,000 for cancer-based charities, so money from this event will be going to two cancer charities – £500 each to the Bracken Trust in Llandrindod and to the Macmillan Cancer Centre in Hereford, who cared so well for mum during her fight.”

For tickets or more information on the boxing event, get in touch with Davies on Facebook.