Tyler Takes the Gloves Off For Giddo

A YOUNG boxing enthusiast from Flint is set to compete in a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) boxing match to support those fighting their toughest battles outside the ring.

Tyler Williams, aged 20, will step into the spotlight on November 24^th at a high-profile black-tie event at Chester Racecourse to raise vital funds for Giddo’s Gift. The Flint-based family-run charity was set up by Mandy Giddins, mother of the late Jordan Giddins who died of Ewings Sarcoma in April 2017, to provide gifts, grants and wishes for teenagers and young adults living with cancer in the area.

Tyler’s MMA match is part of an 8-week training programme organised by Ultra Events, which offers free training for those looking to compete for charity. While Tyler is no stranger to boxing, having taken up the sport aged 12, this foray into MMA is a new challenge. His dedication has been unwavering, with training sessions twice a day and following a strict keto diet as he aims to lose 10kg in preparation for the match.

Tyler said: “I’m not nervous, but my parents are. They’ll be watching on the night. We all know the risks involved, but I’m confident in the training I’ll get.” Despite the nerves from family and family, Tyler is unphased. He added: “I think it’ll be great – I trust the training. We’ll find out who I’m fighting just a few days before the match, but it’ll be someone around my weight class, so I’ll be ready.

“I’ve had great support from the boxing lads and from people in the community who want to see me do well. I hope I raise a fair bit of money for Giddo’s Gift in the process.”

A former Flint High School student, similarly to Jordan who was also known as ‘Giddo,’ Tyler’s journey reflects the spirit of the local community coming together to support one another. As Tyler prepares for his upcoming challenge, he said that this is about more than victory in the ring; it’s about giving hope to those who need it most.

Mandy Giddins B.E.M, Chair of Giddo’s Gift, expressed her excitement for Tyler’s upcoming match. “This is very exciting. We’ve never had a cage fighter raising money for our charity before, so this is big. It’s amazing how our supporters do so many diverse things, and people take it on themselves, coming up with new ideas.

“This is an incredibly brave thing to do, and we wish Tyler all the best with training and the big match.”