HEREFORD Boxing Academy are staging a show to raise money for St Michael’s Hospice later this year.

The host club hope to have eight of their boxers in action at the Three Counties Hotel on Saturday, March 5, and fight fans will also see fighters from South Wye, Bromyard ABC and Leominster Police Boxing Academy.

Coaches Ian Stevens and Greg Edwards are currently putting together the club’s second show of the season, writes Matthew Bozeat

Tom Beech hopes for a change of luck after the featherweight punching machine narrowly missed out on a points decision against Dominic Wheatley (Telford) at the Three Counties Hotel last November.

Wheatley wasn’t available for the rematch and the 33 year-old painter and decorator instead meets Ian Hawkins-Brown (Black Country Boxing).

Beech is in action next week. He heads to Guernsey to represent a Wales select team, the 34th bout of his amateur career.

Hereford’s answer to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is also in action at the Three Counties Hotel !

Master of ceremonies Vernon Ray gave 21 year-old carpenter Josh Smith the nickname after he took home the Boxer of the Night trophy from the last show.

Smith did say that win over Harvey Williamson (Llanedeym & Pentwyn) would be his final fight – but has since had a rethink.

Twelve-year-old Freddie Jones looks to build on a promising debut and Charlie Waybourne is sure to bring big support with him.

Pro boxer Dean Evans will be there to present the trophies.

Evans boxed for Hereford Boxing Academy – and took the scalp of British and Commonwealth title challenger Lyon Woodstock jr – before turning professional.

He reached the milestone of 50 paid fights in December and at 41 years old, Evans says he has no intention of retiring just yet.

Stephens, who thanked club treasurer Brendan Treanor for his help and said they are hoping to get 12 bouts on.

Tickets are available from 07729 101395.