A BOXING competition for fighters from across the North will be held next week.

The Booker Amateur Boxing Club's annual open boxing show will be held at Blackhill Comrades Club, near Consett, County Durham, on Wednesday.

It is organised by the gym's trainer and manager, Gary McCrory, the brother of undefeated British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight Champion Glenn McCrory.

The champion-turned-Sky Sports presenter is expected to be at the night, but it is former professional Gary and fellow trainer Alan Walker who have coached the boxers to competition standard.

It is hoped there will be up to 12 bouts involving fighters aged 12 to 32, matched against weights from 35kg to 85kg.

Rising stars David Cowley, 23, from Annfield Plain, and Steven Lambert, 18, from Burnhope, are expected to take part.

Gary McCrory said: "This is mainly for the kids who have put time and effort in.

"It is hard for a lot of them and there are so many alternative things they could be doing.

"It gives me a buzz training a kid and seeing them come on. I work for them and they work for me."

The doors open at 7.30pm and the first bout is expected to be at 8pm. There is a licensed bar and tickets are £8, from Gary McCrory on 07967 351938.