LOCAL wannabe boxing champs are being given the opportunity to fulfil their dream in the ring later this month.

The Zero To Hero (ZTH) White Collar Boxing Organisation take people with no experience in the ring and train them for a bout in front of hundreds of people.

There are two Cirencester men competing in this year’s competition that takes places at the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon on Saturday, May 9.

The first is Andy Clarke, 29, a director at Ryalls Paints in Cirencester.

Andy, married with two children, will be taking on Robin Oakley, a 28-year-old head chef, and is looking forward to the prospect of getting in the ring.

“I have always enjoyed watching boxing since I was young but never had the time or incentive to do it," said Andy. However, ZTH looked like the perfect opportunity. I also want to get into better shape.”

Valentino Sgirta, a 27-year-old barber from Cirencester, is another local boxing hopeful excited about fighting under the lights on May 9.

He will be taking on Pat Connolly, a 50-year-old plumber, in his upcoming bout.

He said: “I joined the ZTH programme because I love a good challenge and something to focus on.

“I hope that I have a good fight and a good victory and make some friends along the way.”

ZTH provide fighters with a 10-week training programme in the run up to the big night to ensure every participant is well prepared when stepping into the ring.

“The training programme is intense and consistent,” said Jason O’Grady, one of the Swindon ZTH coaches.

“Contenders have to dig deeper and push themselves harder than they ever thought possible but they do.

“Their coaches are hand-picked, veteran professionals with a wealth of knowledge and personal experience who have all competed at the highest level.

“The programme is designed to teach a certain approach to life; to give the contender a get-knocked-down-and-stand-back-up approach that stays with them.

“It also fosters very strong social connections, so contenders get the chance to make lifelong friends at the same time.

“It is this genuine life-changing element through the intense 10-week course that lives long in the memory.”

If you’d like to cheer on the Cirencester men competing in Swindon on May 9 visit zerotoheroboxing.com for ticket information and further details.

The group are signing up contenders for their new seasons at the moment, so if you want to join the ZTH experience contact the team on 01275 595959.