Mar 26, 2010 14:51 GMT JEFFRIES TAKES OUT FROCH AND DEGALE IN BOXING CHALLENGE Lonsdale, the iconic British boxing brand, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2010 and to kick off a year-long series of celebrations the brand invited the cream of current British boxing talent to compete in the ‘Lonsdale Challenge’. Lonsdale sponsored boxing stars Carl Froch, (current unbeaten WBC Super Middleweight champion); James ‘Chunky’ DeGale MBE (reigning Olympic Gold medallist middleweight champion); and Tony Jeffries (light middleweight Olympic Bronze medallist and unbeaten pro) all took part in the challenge hosted at Liberty’s Gym in Nottingham where Carl Froch trains. The three boxers competed in five gruelling rounds including ‘Skipping Skills’, ‘Explosive Power Jump’, ‘Sit Ups’, ‘Shadow Boxing’ and ‘Punch Bag’. Sunderland’s finest, Tony ‘Jaffa’ Jeffries was crowned overall winner - taking home the coveted ‘Lonsdale Challenge’ title. Legendary boxing commentator Steve Bunce kept the crowd entertained and the quips coming. Lonsdale has been synonymous with the best of world boxing throughout its illustrious 50 year history. Names associated with the brand have included Muhammad Ali, Sir Henry Cooper, Mike Tyson, Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe. For further information on the brand head to www.lonsdale.com. For further information please contact Isobel Klempka t: 020 7940 7178 e: [email protected] Synonymous with the noble art of boxing, Lonsdale has firmly established itself as the leading British boxing equipment and clothing brand. Worn by world champions and amateur fighters across the UK and the globe. The brand first came to prominence when former professional fighter Bernard Hart acquired the rights to the brand, creating a sports equipment company with a long-standing heritage in boxing. The Lonsdale name was derived from Hugh Lowther, the fifth Earl of Lonsdale, who, in 1891 organised the first boxing matches with gloves following the deaths of three boxers in bare knuckle fights. As British boxing undergoes a true renaissance, Lonsdale will continue to provide the very best equipment to those with a passion for pugilism. Today Lonsdale produces a range of premium quality boxing products for both professional boxers and those who enjoy boxing for fun or general fitness..