Stars back brain-damaged boxer

Carl has received just £2,500 in compensation

Everton star Wayne Rooney and other sports celebrities were due to join forces to show their support for a Merseyside boxer who was left brain-damaged after a fight.

More than 300 guests were set to attend the testimonial night for Carl Wright at Everton Football Club on Friday.

Mr Wright fell into a coma on his way home after losing a British Light Welterweight title fight in October 1997 when a blood clot formed on his brain.

He has been left with permanent short-term memory loss and his lawyers claim he did not receive adequate medical treatment after the fight, and has received only £2,500 compensation.

However, Mr Wright has been told he cannot sue the British Boxing Board of Control because it went into administration following a large claim in the case of Michael Watson, the boxer injured in a fight with Chris Eubank in 1991.

Organisers of the event hope to put some of the money raised towards his wedding to long-term partner Nicola Tierney.

The severity of the injury means Mr Wright, who lives in Maghull with Ms Tierney and their three children, will never work again.