EVER wondered what it is like to be a boxer?

Now is your chance as people are being invited to experience training up for and having a bout.

Unlike most sports, boxing is not one many people get to sample due to the special precautions necessary and obvious potential risks.

But a white-collar event is being organised at Farnworth Social Circle Cricket Club at the end of May to give anyone who wants it the chance to box against an opponent.

The charity event is being organised to raise money for Bolton Hospice and the junior section at Farnworth Social Circle.

Anyone who signs up for it will take part in a 10-week training course, which will involve boxing training in midweek and fitness and conditioning training at weekend.

No experience is needed, and all bouts will be matched according to each individual’s weight and ability by an experience boxing coach.

Contenders will receive free training and are under no obligation to sell tickets. They will, however, be required to undergo a medical before the training camp starts and on the day of the show.

At the end of the training programme they will climb into the ring at the outdoor event at the cricket club on May 26 when they will be able to put what they have learned into practice.

It is estimated around 1,000 people will watch the event which will form part of a fun day at which there will also be entertainment for kids, refreshments and various attractions.

Former Bolton Wanderers players John McGinlay and Tony Kelly will captain two teams of fighters and they will join in the training sessions, take fitness classes and be in the corners of their fighters on the day.

Thirty people have already signed up to box and there is no limit to the number who can take part.

“The more the merrier,” said Farnworth Social Circle official, and this season's first-team captain, David Tonge.

“It will be a great day. We’ve teamed up with Team V Team Boxing who are organising everything from the training to the medicals, and they're providing the ring which will be outdoors on the field, so hopefully the weather stays fine.

“We reckon there will about 1,000 people coming to the event and there will be lots of things to keep the kids entertained as well as the boxing.

“We think we'll have about 30 fights on the day, but we'll accept as many people who want to have a go.

“They’ll get boxing training in midweek and fitness and conditioning training at weekend and they’ll have a medical, so they’ll do everything boxers do when they have a fight.

“We’ve got ex-Bolton Wanderers players John McGinlay and Tony Kelly captaining two teams of fighters on the day, and it's great that they're involved.

“The first fight will be at one o’clock and then we’ll just have one fight after another all day.

“We’ve never done one of these before at Farnworth Social Circle but we’re excited about it and hope it will be a great day and raise lots of money for Bolton Hospice and the junior section at our club.”

Anyone who wants to be one of the boxers at the event should call Glen McGreavy on 07973 831422, or contact David Tonge via his Twitter or Facebook accounts.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting Mr McGreavy.