Poster signed by heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua up for auction to aid Richie Woodhall appeal
He is the boxer everybody is talking about – and tomorrow somebody will get the chance to own this piece of sporting memorabilia signed by new heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua.
The 6ft 6in vinyl poster is the latest item to go under the hammer in a series of charity auctions being held by former super-middleweight world champion Richie Woodhall.
Richie, from Telford, has been selling off a collection of signed sporting memorabilia to raise money for different cancer charities as a tribute to his father Len, who died from the illness in July last year.
The poster, which rolls up in like a roller blind, will go under the hammer at Hall's auctioneers in Shrewsbury tomorrow, with all proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support.
It comes with a certificate signed by Richie to verify its authenticity.
As technical adviser to the GB team, Richie first came across Joshua in 2010.
"Straightaway you could see all his physical advantages, but there was something about him, too," he said.
"A presence. In the ring, he was tall and rangy, and it was all about harnessing his attributes and steering him.
"A?J soaked up anything we could teach him. He was very dedicated, first in, last out, and all the extra support staff were there. If he had a damaged hand, two physios were there on hand, there was a dietitian, strength and conditioning expert, sports psychologist. He was stimulated by it all and soaked up the details we, and they, could give him like a sponge. He listened to everyone."
The auction, at Hall's auctioneers in Bowmen Way, Battlefield, Shrewsbury, starts at 10am, with the poster expected to go under the hammer between 10.45am and 11.15am.
It can be viewed at Hall's until 4.30pm today, and then from 9am tomorrow.
Alternatively, boxing fans can place an absentee bid by telephoning (01743) 450700 before the auction, indicating the maximum amount they are prepared to bid. The auctioneer will then be able to bid on their behalf.
They can also bid live over the internet, by registering on at www.the-saleroom.com/halls – allow plenty of time to register and preferably do it the day before the auction.
