AN AMMANFORD window-fitter took part in a white collar boxing match to raise funds for the hospital that saved the life of his baby daughter.

Gideon Evans lost seven kilograms in weight during 12 weeks of intensive training and defied a shoulder injury to take part in the bout at Swansea’s Oceana nightclub.

“I’ve done kick-boxing allmylife, but everything about boxing is so much harder,” Gideon, 37, of Penybanc Road told the Guardian.

“Having gone through hell in training I take my hat off to anyone who has ever stepped into a boxing ring.”

He said he drew inspiration from the fight to save his daughter Chloe Louise Evans, now three, who was rushed to Llantrisant Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit after mum Louise gave birth nine weeks prematurely.

“She only weighed one pounds 13 oz – she was absolutely tiny,” he recalled.

“There no doubt that the unit saved Chloe’s life and when I heard they’d had their funding cut Louise and I got together with friends, family and workmates to try to do a little bit to help.”

But Gideon’s worst moment came shortly before the fight when it appeared his injury might prevent him from taking part.

“In the end I just had to bite my lip and get on with it,” he said. “I kept thinking my problems were nothing compared with Chloe’s when she was born.”

Having boxed to a drawagainst opponent Neil Bamsey, of Port Talbot, Gideon now wants one more bout before hanging up his gloves for good.

“I’m looking at the Oceana again in November,” he revealed. “One more fight will do me – I just wish I had taken up boxing when I was a lot younger.”