An ex-boxer is organising a charity cricket match in Havering to fund a retirement home for peers suffering conditions such as dementia.

Jason Beard, who boxed for 20 years, is hosting the event in Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch, on June 25 to raise money for Ringside Charitable Trust, a group that cares for boxers.

Jason has backing from famous former boxers such as undefeated welterweight world champion Terry Marsh and Michael Watson MBE, who was forced to retire in 1991 after a near fatal injury.

Romford Recorder: Jason with Michael Watson, whose career was cut short in 1991Jason with Michael Watson, whose career was cut short in 1991 (Image: Jason Beard)

Watson, who spent 40 days in a coma after sustaining a career-ending injury fighting Chris Eubank, is among those who inspired Jason to host the event and help others in need.

“We all know what happened to Michael, but he’s a great guy to talk to and he'll be there to chat to people now he’s got a carer to help him,” said Jason.

Watson will be at Harrow Lodge to watch the cricket match with Marsh and James Cook MBE, former European and British super middleweight champion.

Despite the problems experienced by Jason’s cohort, he said he was optimistic for the future of boxing with more regulations in place.

“Boxing is a lot safer than it ever used to be,” he said. “We used to fight every week to put on a show, now they don’t allow that.”

Jason is organising the event with Bobby Arthey, a lifelong friend he met at West Ham Boxing Club aged 10.

With more than a month to go, Jason has already secured the support of British Boxing Board of Control and hopes top promoters will help, having reached out to Barry Hearn and Frank Warren.

In the spirit of charity, Harrow Lodge’s chairman has provided all day access to the park's leisure centre for the free event.

Money will be raised through raffles and auctioning signed memorabilia.