They’re used to hitting with words, but now Northern Ireland’s top comedians are taking part in charity boxing matches.
A Valentine’s Day Massacre Comedians charity boxing event will be held at Ulster Hall on February 11th.
Tickets sold out within five minutes, but Hollywood Comics’ Shane Todd says a livestream may be on the way.
Billing for eight matches includes Shane Todd vs. Johnny Bowe and Mickey Bartlett vs. Mark McCartney. The event is in support of the suicide prevention charity PIPS.
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Shane Todd to Johnny Bowe, William Thompson watching (Credit: Bernadette McAllister)
The sold-out announcement was made at the event’s press conference today in Limelight. The comedian was on top, and Todd wore his Matrix-inspired leather jacket with a flashy necklace and sunglasses.
“I think a lot of people want to see us knocked out, and that’s exactly it,” Todd said.
“Hopefully we can do some sort of livestream,” he added.
He said the group got the idea because fans had been asking for it for a while, and revealed that some people were already demanding a second event. denied.
“If I win this, I will never box again in my life, and if I lose, I will never box again. The moment this fight is over, I will retire,” he said.
The group was inspired by YouTuber Jake Paul’s highly successful boxing match.
The standup scene is very well supported here, but seeing people out of their comfort zones adds something else.
“It’s comedian boxing, but it’s no laughing matter to me. I’ve never taken it so seriously in my life,” joked Todd.
“You can tell jokes after the bell rings, but in the ring you don’t have time to be in the middle of a fight.”
Comedian and regular guest on Todd’s wildly popular podcast, Micky Bartlett, is playing against Mark McCarney in a similar fashion.
“Not only do I win, they have to carry him home in a bucket,” he said.
On a more serious note, Bartlett spoke about the group’s decision to raise money for PIP.
“I think it’s a very important charity,” he said.
“I don’t think anyone in Northern Ireland is too far from having to deal with suicidal thoughts.”
Also set to star is Paddy McDonnell from West Belfast, a regular on Todd’s Tea With Me podcast. He will fight Ronan Boyle, who has a background in MMA and kickboxing.
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Paddy McDonnell (left) and Ronan Boyle (right) (Credit: Bernadette Mcallister)
“Because I’m from West Belfast, I didn’t think other comedians wanted to challenge me, so they involved Ronan,” joked McDonnell.
McDonnell was happy that the show sold out.
“The people of Belfast and the surrounding area have always been very generous and always support us.
The event will also feature guest appearances from Ciaran Bartlett, Dave Elliott and William Thompson, with “more” to be announced.
If you are interested in donating to the event, you can donate here..com/fundraising/valentinesdaymassacrebelfast
