AN EVENING with a former world champion in Dunfermline has raised £6,200 in memory of late Kelty boxer Connor Law.

Tony Bellew, who held the WBC cruiserweight title from 2016 to 2017, appeared at a sold-out Glen Pavilion on June 7 as the star guest for a Sportsman’s Dinner organised by Dunfermline man Craig Roxburgh.

It is the third ‘An Evening With’ event that boxing fan Craig has organised, having previously brought Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe to the town, which supported causes such as Trench and Valleyfield boxing clubs.

As well as listening to Liverpudlian Bellew discuss his life both inside and outside the ring, the packed audience dug deep in their pockets to support both the family of Connor, who died suddenly just four days before, and Dunfermline Foodbank.

A tribute to Connor was made during the night, and Craig said: “I knew Connor and, after speaking to one of his close friends and our MC Craig Stephen – who was the announcer for pretty much all of Connor’s amateur career – we decided to do something.

“Craig made a speech and then, once he finished talking, 10 bells were played over a still image of him. We raised £6,200 for the family and, from the raffle, we made a donation to the foodbank as well.

“It was a really good night and I’d go as far as saying it’s one of the best I’ve been involved in.”

Craig, who revealed his next event will support Andy’s Man Club Dunfermline – a support group for men over 18 that aims to challenge the stigma of mental health and promote suicide prevention – said that Bellew, who retired from the sport last year, was “such a people’s person” and was a hit with the crowd.

“He was accommodating and made time for everyone,” he added.

“He mingled with people there, was taking selfies on people’s phones, and everyone I spoke to felt they got value for money.

“He opened up on his whole life and career, and his big rivalries. With David Haye (the heavyweight Bellew twice defeated) he said it was just business but he touched on a couple of people in his career that he couldn’t stand.

“I don’t think Tony Bellew will come back to Dunfermline, so it was a one-off chance to meet him and hear his story.”

Meanwhile, a memorial football match for Connor will take place in Kelty next month.

Kelty Amateur FC, with whom the 26-year-old had been with since its formation three years ago, will take on a Gary Law (Connor’s dad) XI at Blairadam Park on Saturday, July 13.

The club, who also hope to have a bench in his honour installed overlooking the pitch, are hoping the event will be held on an annual basis where both teams will play for the Connor Law Memorial Trophy.

Kick-off is at 2pm.