Fight Night 2026 Preview

The mysterious beef to settle at this year's Fight Night

Fight Night training is in full swing, no pun intended, and with less than two weeks until the big night, the gloves are nearly off. With queues for the bar guaranteed to rival those in the Union on a Wednesday night, here’s who you’ll want to keep an eye on before you commit to the line.  

Ella ‘The Raging Rose’ Wilson vs Liv Douglas promises to be an electric encounter. Wilson, known recently on campus for her ski trip antics, has swapped the long beer swig for the jab-jab-cross. Her rumoured opponent? Liv Douglas, trading stage lights for spotlights in the ring.  

Wilson told The Saint, “I think training is going well. It was going very well until we started sparring, and now I feel like I’m back at square one. I’m just learning to enjoy the process.” 

The pair are well matched, and their fight could certainly go the distance.

Douglas is bringing her own confidence to the bout: “I think my fight is one to watch. I will be bringing a lot of flair to the ring.” 

While the pair share a friendly camaraderie, expect sharp combinations, athleticism, and competitive exchanges once the bell rings.  

Second-year fighter Thomson is stepping into the ring with something to prove. 

“I wanted to try something new and prove some people wrong,” she told The Saint. 

Sources close to camp suggest that Thomson has been extremely strong in training. Her fighter Instagram account, @terrorthomson, documents many early morning private boxing sessions and a steady intake of bulk creatine, which appears to be paying off. If her preparation translates under the lights, she could be one of the most physically dominant fighters on the night.  

Benjamin Gilles, rumoured to be fighting second-year Harry James, spoke to The Saint, sporting a perfectly round black eye, courtesy of a private session with his flatmate and fellow fighter Caden Ferguson. 

On James’s fighting style, Gilles said, “He’s got a lot of power behind his punches. Though I think he’ll be playing chequers and I’ll be playing chess.” 

He also added, “I quite like Harry, so it’s going to suck to have to fight him.” 

Gilles may need to overcome that fondness if he is to fully commit on the night. Notably, he recently gave Saints on the Sidelines’ Eddie Maglione a bloody lip during an intense sparring session, proof that he can switch gears when required. If Gilles can stay composed in front of his family and friends, this could be one of the most tactical fights of the night.  

The Diri-Nugent clash has generated the most hype around town; speculation around their pairing has been relentless. Sources close to the pair offered conflicting explanations for the matchup: one involving beef over a girl, another centred on wider friendship drama. The Saint could not independently verify these claims and does not wish to speculate on the specifics. 

Both parties declined to speak to The Saint, appearing determined to block out external noise and focus on the task at hand, settling whatever ‘mystery beef’ exists once and for all.  

While they may be keeping quiet publicly, the official fighters’ group chat tells a livelier story. The Saint can confirm that Diri and Nugent have been sending memes back and forth and chirping one another consistently in the build-up. 

Wilson commented, “Josh and Will will definitely be fun to watch because we’ve seen the chat they have been giving each other.” 

Grace Griffiths, Head of Events and Operations, echoed the excitement when asked if there were any fights she was especially looking forward to, highlighting the headline bout between the two fourth-years as one set to be particularly entertaining. 

Griffiths also highlighted the broader impact of the event: This year introduces a stronger charity focus, with a raffle supporting Families First St Andrews, ensuring Fight Night gives back to the wider community.  

Alongside the boxing, the night will feature a cheerleading performance, a VIP prosecco bar, DJs after the final bell, and an official afterparty.  

But before any of that, all eyes will be on Diri and Nugent. The memes will stop, the whispers will fade, and whatever the beef may be, it will be settled the old-fashioned way. 

 Photo by Elodie Cowan