The stars come out for Jackson

Article on the charity launch of a local boxer's attempt to run across America (Norwich Evening News - 2 November 2006)

Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan and Darren Huckerby and Bryan Gunn amongst other stars lent their support last night to Norwich boxer, Jackson Williams, who launched his charity bid to run across America. The glitzy event, held at the Marriott Sprowston Manor Hotel, raised nearly £10,000 for Jackson’s two nominated charities, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Bryan Gunn Leukaemia Appeal.

Jackson, who stepped into the ring against Khan last February, has set himself the daunting challenge of running 3,100 miles from Los Angeles to New York non-stop. He is however no stranger to long distance running. Aged 17, whilst studying at City College he ran from London to Norwich and a year later raised the bar by running 400 miles home to his native Norwich from Scotland, arriving to large acclaim at Carrow road in time for a derby day kick-off against Ipswich.

Not content with what most people would regard as a lifetime’s exercise Jackson, like Khan has set his sights on America. What he is proposing, however, is perhaps a far sterner test than the twelve rounds Khan may face when he eventually crosses the Atlantic to further his career. “It [the run] is going to take a lot of bottle but I think he’ll do it. I’ve seen him, I’ve been in the same ring as him. He’ll do it.”

Khan, who made time in his schedule to attend last night’s event, defeated Jackson in the ring by virtue of a 3rd round technical knockout in their clash at London’s ExCel Arena in February. His next bout is against an unnamed American opponent at the ExCel Arena on December 9 ahead of making his American debut next year. He may rely on more conventional means of transport to travel across the continent. “I’m feeling good, feeling sharp and I’m looking forward to fighting over there,” he said.

Huckerby has known Jackson for a couple of years since his return to City. Aside from running defenders ragged, the most Huckerby has ever run in one go is around 10 miles, so he was in awe of what Jackson is proposing to achieve. “I can’t see many of our [Norwich] players making it that far” he said. “Boxing has got a special kind of discipline. I think if anybody is going to do it a boxer can. They train very hard for long periods of time so I’m sure he’ll be able to do it. He’s got to have a bit of mental strength, else he wouldn’t be a boxer.”

Jackson’s run is inspired by the death of his friend, Edward Beddar, in March 2006 at the hands of Motor Neurone Disease and the work of Gunn, the former Canaries keeper, who set up the Bryan Gunn Leukaemia Appeal following the death of his two-year-old daughter from the disease in 1992.

Confident of the task in front of him Jackson was in fine spirit given the remarkable show of support for his attempt and for his charitable work. City legend, Gunn, was in awe of his hard work. “What Jackson is doing is incredible. You have got to give him credit because he has guts in abundance to try something like this.” Jackson’s mum was naturally also quick to praise her son and confident that he had the determination and the ability to succeed. “He’ll crawl if he has to,” she added, with a knowing smile.

For more information on Jackson’s run, the charities, and how to donate, please go to www.jacksonwilliams.co.uk.