BOXER was a Heavy Blues Rock act founded by former PATTO, CENTIPEDE and SPOOKY TOOTH vocalist Mike Patto. The debut album, 1976's 'Below The Belt', saw Patto joined by ex-JUICY LUCY, VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR and KOOBAS bassist Keith Ellis, highly rated guitarist Ollie Halsall (previously a member of PATTO and TEMPEST), drummer Tony Newman and keyboard player Chris Stainton.

Sessions for a second album, 'Bloodletting', were recorded at The Manor Studios, with contributions from former JODY GRIND and ALVIN LEE man Tim Hinkley, KING CRIMSON and BAD COMPANY bassist Boz Burrel and former JEFF BECK GROUP and HUMMINGBIRD vocalist Bobby Tench. A single, 'Hey Bulldog', was notably penned by Lennon / McCartney but the album itself did not see issue. Bobby Tench subsequently joined the VAN MORRISON band as guitarist and backing vocalist, later featuring with AXIS POINT and HUMBLE PIE.

BOXER's third effort, 'Absolutely' issued in 1977, had only Patto and Stainton remaining with the roll call being filled by renowned VANILLA FUDGE bassist TIM BOGERT with SPARKS guitarist Adrian Fisher and drummer Eddie Tudori. Strangely, BOXER's second album 'Bloodletting' only emerged in 1979.

Tony Newman sessioned for DAVID BOWIE. Halsall became a member of the spoof act THE RUTLES!