In an emotional comeback, John “No Mercy” Nicholls, the ex-MMA gladiator famed for his fierce bouts worldwide, is stepping back into the ring, but this time for a cause that punches right to the heart. On April 21, Lordswood Leisure Centre will be electrified as Nicholls headlines the Kent Charity Boxing Show, all to save a young girl’s life.
Medway’s own hardman, who hung up his fighting gloves in 2018, is now gearing up for a battle of a different kind. He’s fighting for three-year-old Leilani, a brave little girl battling a rare and severe heart and lung condition. With her life on the line, Nicholls and the Kent Charity Boxing (KCB) team are rallying to raise a staggering £200,000 to send her to Boston, USA, for life-saving treatment.
Nicholls, who’s no stranger to tough fights, is throwing his all into training, mentored by KCB coach and now close ally, Darren Clayton. Together, they’re spearheading a drive that’s more than halfway to its financial goal, thanks to Nicholls’ popularity and tireless efforts. “Selling 100 tickets already, this night’s going to be loud and epic,” promises Nicholls, whose return to the boxing ring after a decade has sparked a local frenzy.
Despite the shifts from MMA to boxing, Nicholls finds his old pugilistic instincts kicking back in. “It’s all coming back naturally,” he admits, though not without the tough daily grinds at the gym, where he’s already smashing records. His commitment is total—daily five-mile runs, relentless gym sessions, and even personal sacrifices, all for Leilani.
The fight night isn’t just about sports; it’s a lifeline for Leilani, wrapped in a community event where beginners and fans can taste the thrill of boxing. With tickets flying off the shelves—£30 for a stand, £40 for VIP, and a plush £50 for a table with waitress service—this April showdown isn’t just a fight; it’s a festival of hope.
As Nicholls puts it, enduring six minutes in the ring is nothing compared to giving Leilani a shot at a better life. “It’s more about her than me,” he reflects, his tone both determined and humble. For those touched by the cause, contributions can still be made through their GoFundMe page linked on the KCB Facebook.
With every punch he plans to throw, Nicholls isn’t just aiming to win a match; he’s fighting to win a little girl her future. And in this fight, every ticket, every cheer, and every pound raised brings Leilani one step closer to a new lease on life. Join Nicholls and the KCB team in this heart-stopping event where courage meets compassion, right in the heart of Kent.