A Charity boxing fund-raiser in aid of the Royal United Hospital’s cancer centre will see local businessmen take on the professionals at White Horse Country Park on February 16.

Knock Out Cancer has been organised by The Contender Gym in Trowbridge and will include at least eight friendly bouts between Wiltshire businessmen and pros from the gym, including Trowbridge middleweight Nick Blackwell.

Among those stepping into the ring is Ben Ludwell, from Briken Motors in Union Street, Trowbridge, who sponsors Blackwell and will be taking him on at the event.

Mr Ludwell said: “I go to the Contender Gym regularly and when they decided to organise this I wanted to be involved, especially for such a great cause.

“I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be nerve-racking getting into the ring with a pro but I have been training every day since November, so I’ll be ready.

Mark Kent, Contender Gym trainer, said that while the pros will work the amateurs who get into the ring, the fights will not be competitive due to the difference in levels.

He said: “It’s a charity fund-raiser, rather than a competitive show, but the pros will make the guys work. We hope to get a crowd of around 250- 300, so it will be a great experience for those taking part.

“Several of the lads have been affected by cancer in some shape or form, so it seemed like a suitable charity. We have always done charity work as we like to show people a different side of boxing and give something back.

“The amateurs have been coming in regularly for the last six weeks or so and have thrown themselves into it, training hard.

“It will be a great thing to say they have done.”

Tickets for the event cost £15 in advance from the Contender Gym or £20 on the door. The doors open at 2pm at White Horse Country Park in Coach Road, Westbury.