Batten hosts Eastman event

Former British light-middleweight champion Jimmy Batten will present a tribute night for stricken boxer Gilbert Eastman in Aldgate

Former British light-middleweight champion Jimmy Batten, from Millwall, will present a tribute night for former boxer Gilbert Eastman at The Three Lords pub, Minories, Aldgate next week.

Batten is organising the event on Wednesday night for Eastman, the younger brother of former European and British middleweight champion Howard Eastman, who twice unsuccessfully challenged for the world title.

The younger Eastman, also a middleweight, underwent emergency surgery after collapsing following a fight at York Hall last October.

The 35-year-old, who also held a day job as a London bus driver, was floored and stopped in the dying seconds of his eight-round encounter against Bermondsey's Sam Webb.

Eastman was examined by the ringside doctor after the fight, but later collapsed suddenly in his dressing room and was rushed to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, where he underwent life-saving brain surgery.

Batten, now a popular entertainer on the East London pub circuit, will act as host at the tribute evening, which will include a celebrity auction, a raffle, karaoke and cabaret.

The event is due to start at 6pm. Further information is available from The Three Lords on 0207 481 4249 or from Jimmy Batten on 07956 570533.