Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, will step into the boxing ring to raise more than £30,000 for charity.
The Conservative councillor has undergone an 11-month rigorous exercise regime, losing six stone (38.1kg) in preparation for the fight. He will compete in six one-minute rounds against Shaz Saleem, a former councillor and charity founder who is 20 years younger.
Harley has described the bout as "a bucket list tick", noting that "this has never been done before, a council leader boxing for charity at the age of 60".
Training and preparation
Since September, Harley has trained six days a week combining sparring and cardio work. He has been trained at Priory Park Boxing Gym, near the council house, under the guidance of Paul Gough, who has more than 30 years of boxing experience.
Gough praised Harley's effort but acknowledged the challenge ahead. "It is a brave thing to do," he said. "He's had to lose quite a bit of weight which he's done. It's okay doing it in the gym, but you have to do it when it counts, which is on the night and that is the tough part of it."
Harley admitted apprehension about stepping into the ring given his age, but has suggested his rigorous training regime could make the difference against a younger opponent.
The fight and fundraising
The bout will take place at Dudley Town Hall. Proceeds will go to the 2026 Mayoral Charities, including Friends of Alfie Johnson and Brierley Hill Baby Bank.
Saleem said that when Harley first approached him, he thought "he was crazy, we're 100 years old between us". However, he recognised the opportunity to raise significant funds for the community.
"It's the leader of the council versus a community champion raising thousands of pounds," Saleem said.
The pair have exchanged words in advance of the fight. Saleem warned: "Patrick Harley, when you see this right hand coming for you, it will not be the right hand of Shaz Saleem, no no, this right hand will be the hand of the community coming at you."
Harley attempted to channel Muhammad Ali in his response, saying: "His name is Saleem, but on the 21st he won't look so mean, when I go in there and completely clean."
