A SENIOR partner in a Bury law firm traded sharp suits for boxing gloves as part of a major fundraiser.

And Michael "Merciless" Shroot got the verdict he wanted when he won the bout, held during a white collar dinner at Event City in Manchester - despite sustaining an injury.

The 39-year-old, from Bury, who works at the town's Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall solicitors, featured in the clash of the "heavyweights" during the fundraising event for Prestwich-based Maccabi Community and Sports Club.

Michael had undertaken 12 weeks of intensive training prior to the one-off bout.

The expert employment lawyer lined up against Alan "Smiler" Glazer, his two-stone heavier counterpart, and slugged it out over three rounds.

Despite dislocating his shoulder in the first round, Michael landed a number of technical punches without getting caught himself, which saw him win on points.

Following his triumph, Michael said: “When I heard my shoulder pop on my stronger arm, I thought it was over, but having trained about six times a week for three months prior to the fight, I couldn’t let all the hard work go to waste.

"Huge thanks to Bridgewater Boxing Gym in Salford, Box Rooms in Radcliffe and Dynamics Amateur Boxing Club in Radcliffe for all the guidance. It really helped make a difference. Back to wining legal battles now.”

The knockout event secured renowned referee Mickey Vann, who has previously taken charge of fights involving world champions Ricky Hatton, Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno.

The bout was watched by more than 400 guests and money raised from ticket sales will go to the Manchester Maccabi club which provides a home for the sports and social activities, and relies on fundraising and a volunteering programme to enhance its facilities.