CINDERFORD-based boxers are gearing up for their debut bouts at the Miner’s Welfare Hall next weekend.

Members of Forest Fighting Fit, an initiative set up to help counteract anti-social behaviour and promote healthy living, will take each other on next Friday in an event featuring ten bouts.

The group’s coach Mason Carr – who has previously coaching British Army boxing teams and was at Evesham Boxing Club with Mike Goodall, says he’s proud of the fighters’ development since the group began training in June.

“They’ve all been brilliant,” he said.

“I wasn’t expecting them to do anything another six months but they come on really well.”

Carr was in particular impressed by Glen Morgan, saying: “He’s very, very good.

“At first when he came to the gym he was very unfit but the dedication and the work and the effort he has put in has been sensational.”

The event pits a number of the club’s youngsters against each other, with Annie Smith taking on Milan Matthews, Finlay Jones fighting Jack Bufton and Anna Hartwell in a match against Maddison Matthews.

Also in action will be light heavyweight Brandon Field, Jaspal Boyle, Jason Hobman, Ben Smyth, Morgan and super heavyweight Eddie Whitmore.

Carr himself will fight light heavyweight Barry Jones in the evening’s headline bout, comprising of six rounds. The other fights will have three rounds.

“I think there will be some very hard matches to score,” Carr added.

“I’m as proud as punch because there is some exceptional talent.”

Tickets for the evening are available via Carr on 07449 015159, or the group’s Facebook page.

Doors open at 6pm with the first fight scheduled for 7pm. Standard seats are £10, while ringside seats are £20 and VIP tickets on the stage with waiter service cost £30. All proceeds will go back into the club.