Organisers are hoping to revive the original spirit of Teachers Rugby Fight Night when the boxing event returns after a four-year break next Saturday at Berkeley Institute.

Aptly billed as the “Resurrection”, the eighteenth Fight Night will feature an array of bouts reflecting the proud heritage of the event.

In the past, the popular spectacle was an opportunity for rugby players to settle old scores inside of the squared circle. One man hoping for a return to those days is Brian Desmond, Teachers Rugby Football Club president.

“Teachers took a break for a few years as we had a lot of young players and wanted to focus the committee’s time on making sure the club was building up correctly,” Desmond said.

“The ethos of the event originally started because there were certain players on rugby teams that kept having little fights during games every week. That led to getting them inside of the ring. This year is going back to some of that.

“We have four fighters from Teachers Rugby Club, a fighter from the Bermuda Regiment and a number of fighters affiliated with hockey and football clubs.”

Also in action will be Andre Lambe and Tyler Christopher, who represented Bermuda at the Cental American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, Colombia, last summer, as well as Corey Boyce, who has completed his three-fight suspension after an altercation with another boxer outside of the ring.

Boyce is a multitalented sportsman, having played football for Robin Hood and North Village, in addition to representing Bermuda and Teachers at rugby. Another footballer stepping between the ropes will be Michael Parsons, a former Bermuda defender who rejoined Dandy Town this season.

“We’ve got some huge fights featuring top local amateurs against overseas opposition,” Desmond added. “We have 12 fights in total, which is the most we’ve ever put on; normally it’s about ten.”

Desmond is hoping for a bumper crowd and is confident the event will attract a diverse cross-section of the community.

“Years ago, we did it at the Number One Shed, which is no longer there, so we’re going back to Berkeley where we’ve had the previous few events” he added. “We’re hoping to fill the house. I think the types of fights we have will attract a broad range of people from Bermuda.”