A BOXING night with a twist will be held at the Kassam Stadium to raise funds for a national charity.
The Oxford Boxing Championships is the brainchild of former boxer Kevin Alvarado, owner of Science Fitness Studio and boxing promoter NSB Promotions.
Twenty per cent of ticket sales from the semi-professional boxing night will go to the MS Society.
The Science Fitness Studio was founded in 2011 and has run three different studios around Oxford before settling in its current home on Cowley Road.
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Amy Johnson, event director at NSB, said: “The event is run by NSB Promotions and will be Oxford’s first boxing championship.
“With boxing of all standards more popular in Oxford than ever, NSB Promotions is bringing together the best semi pro fighters in the area for a night of four round fights and local mid-show entertainment all in aid of the MS Society.
“Kevin wanted to find a way of bringing high calibre boxers together on the one platform.
“NSB has partnered with boxing gyms in Oxford to collaborate and bring together the best and brightest boxers in the area.”
Boxers have been brought together from the gyms at Science Fitness Studio, Oxford Martial Arts Academy, Paladin Combat and South Moreton Boxing Club.
The organisers say that this night, on Saturday, March 7, will differ from the stereotype that is attached to boxing.
Ms Johnson explained: “Kevin’s goal is to find something between licensed fighting and the white collar boxing that’s become popular in Oxford.
“Therefore we’re pulling together the best fighters we can and they’re all going through a rigorous training programme.
“Boxing has always been a gentleman’s sport, and we want to bring that energy to the Oxford area.
“We want to bring boxing back as a gentleman’s sport.
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“Boxing itself is a real art form - there’s lots of discipline and respect involved.
“It will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase Oxford’s talent.
“Throughout the evening there will be five bouts and local dancers and music, all a celebration of Oxford’s talent.”
NSB Promotions also has knockout plans for the future.
Ms Johnson said: “Eventually we want to expand and hold the event in places like Reading and Swindon and make it almost a league so Oxford can take on Reading and Swindon and other local areas.
“With these expansion plans in the pipeline, it is an exciting prospect.”
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For now, the first event will be held at 7pm on Saturday, March 7.
There are a limited number of VIP tables, with the remaining tickets standing.
The Science Fitness Studio offers a range of services, including personal training, boxing training, and diet and nutrition planning.
The MS Society was formed in 1953 and raises money and awareness about multiple sclerosis.
The condition affects the nervous system and once diagnosed, stays with a person for life.
Tickets for the night start at £32 and can be purchased at: eventbrite.co.uk/e/oxford-boxing-championships-tickets-73819806027
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