A FIGHT night was held in memory of mixed martial arts fighter Taz Grogan described as ‘one in a million’.

Hundreds of people from across Blackburn made the trip to Audley Sports and Community Centre for the Tarro ‘Taz’ Grogan fight night on Saturday.

There was a total of 28 bouts put on by Blackburn Predators, where Taz trained, to remember the 29-year-old, who was fatally stabbed in Peridot Close, Roe Lee, on October 11.

Those attending, estimated at 500, helped to raise around £16,000 on the night, which will be put into a trust fund for Taz’s two daughters, three-year-old Brooke and one-year-old Aroura, when they turn 18.

Taz’s family said the six-and-a-half hour event, held in the Chester Street venue's sports hall, was a fitting tribute to the dad-of-two.

His 16-year-old sister Jasmine, from Little Harwood, said: “The turnout shows the respect that people had for Taz. He was a popular character and everyone loved him.”

Taz’s former partner Kya Hoole, who is mother to Brooke, said his death had not sunk in yet for Taz’s little girl.

The 25-year-old said: “He always had time for his children and was a brilliant dad.”

Several fighters took to the ring in honour of the former British champion, who himself fought in 12 bouts.

Roe Lee fighter Sorouchu Alexander, who is godfather to Taz’s children, said: “Taz was a top father who loved doing what he could for his two girls.

“He loved his training and I think it’s special the way the whole town has come together and shown so much love and support.”

Others, including Jay Currie, were making their first appearance in the ring. The 30-year-old, from Whitebirk, said: “Taz was one in a million and a legend.”

Whitebirk boxer Danny Haworth, 26, who had known Taz since he was a child, added: “He was very close to my family and I liked how enthusiastic he was about training. I know he would have been proud of tonight’s event.”

The night included blindfold boxing, a male lap dance competition, wrestling, a comedy kickboxing fight, with fighters dressed as ninja turtles, and a singing tribute to Taz.

Co-organiser Thomas Barnes, 28, from Feniscowles, said: “We wanted to bring the community together and hope to put a stop to knife crime.”