Karl Everton, 34, from Coldean in Brighton, has raised more than £1,600 through Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB) bouts, supporting charities that have helped his family during their toughest times.
His first fight was in November 2024, inspired by his son Finley, who was born prematurely in 2020 and spent six months in hospital before being diagnosed with Level 3 autism.
Mr Everton said: “Those early years were incredibly challenging for our family, but the care Finley received at the Trevor Mann Baby Unit gave us so much support and reassurance during a very difficult time.
“The team was there for us when we needed them most and raising money for them has given me the opportunity to give something back.”
His second bout took place in July 2025 in support of Blood Cancer UK, following his mother-in-law’s diagnosis the previous year.
Mr Everton said: “To see someone who has given so much to our family then have to face cancer herself was incredibly hard.
“But even with everything she was going through, she was still thinking about Finley and supporting us.”
In July this year, he returned to the ring for a third time, raising funds for Friends of Downsview, a charity supporting the specialist school his son attends.
Mr Everton said: “I know first-hand how important the right environment can be for Finley.
“The school does so much to help him learn, grow and feel comfortable, and I wanted to give something back to a place that means so much to our family.”
He trained at Stingwray Boxing Club in Brighton under coach Neil Wray and credited the programme for helping him turn his life around.
He said: “Before boxing, I was in a pretty low place.
“If it wasn’t for Ultra, I’d be in a very different place.
“When I started, I never imagined how much it would change my life.”
Across his three bouts, Mr Everton has raised more than £1,600 for charity.