Eight of the area's amateur boxers will be making their way to the Cumbria Grand Hotel in Grange tonight for the annual dinner with boxing evening organised by the Freemasons of Furness, under the auspices of Kendal ABC.

Barrow's Furness Catholic ABC will be represented at the event by Will Turner, Kian Owen and Mike Cheetham.

Trainer Gary Ryan said: “They are really looking forward to the event. All three have shown up well in training and we are confident that they will give a good account of themselves."

From Barrow ABC, Jeff Moses will be taking along five of his charges, including his son Jack, who will be making his debut.

Oliver Dilkes will be climbing into the ring for his first bout, having only previously featured in skills contests while it will be the second outing for Ethan Greer.

Ethan Holt appeared on the card in 2018 and will be hoping for a similar result, having won on that occasion with a unanimous points verdict.

Completing the line-up will be Jim Braithwaite, who is another making a return appearance. Braithwaite has become somewhat of a legend in local boxing circles, having sparred for ten rounds with former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury last year.

“We enjoy going to the Masons boxing event”, said Moses, adding: “It is a nice venue and is almost a home fixture with the knowledgeable spectators heavily favouring the local fighters."

It will be the 34th occasion that the event has been held, which has seen over £200,000 being raised for charity.

Freemason boxing committee chairman Barrie Bray said: ”We are supported by all the masonic lodges of the area who provide sponsorship and the stewards for the evening.

"It is run by Masons but is not exclusive to our members. It is all about raising money for good causes and we are hoping to at least match years total of £11,000.

"Jeff Moses and Team Ryan do outstanding work for our community and it is great to be able to provide them with a local venue for their boxers to be able to display their skills.”

It is a chance to see the best up-and-coming boxers from the Furness area, who are looking to build up their budding careers.

Previous Masonic boxing evenings have seen former English champion and Golden Contract semi-finalist Liam Conroy on the card.

Fellow professionals Ross Cooksey, who is unbeaten in eight fights, and Mike McGoldrick, unbeaten in six bouts, have also appeared at the event in the past.