Amateur boxers packed a punch for Kirkwood Hospice – and raised a knockout £9,000.

Thirty-three boxing novices climbed through the ropes at the Apna Leisure Centre in Springwood in the first ever Boxing 4 Kirkwood event.

More than 500 spectators watched the fearless first-timers battle it out in the event, which was the brainchild of Sean Reynolds who runs Left Jab Promotions in Huddersfield.

Along with his team of experienced coaches, Sean put the group of novices – most of whom had never even pulled on a pair of boxing gloves in their lives – through 10 weeks of free training.

Each boxer raised money by selling tickets and raising sponsorship for the Dalton-based hospice. Some of them were sponsored to get Boxing 4 Kirkwood tattoos, and one dyed his hair and beard pink before his fight.

An auction and raffle on the night brought in even more funds.

A boxing night, Boxing 4 Kirkwood, organised by Left Jab Promotions and held at the Apna Leisure Centre in Springwood, Huddersfield, raised £9,000 for Kirkwood Hospice.

Sean said: “Boxing for Kirkwood went better than I could have ever imagined.

“Boxing is not an easy sport! Some of these people have never had a fight in their lives. To get in the ring and do what they did was really special.”

Kirkwood Hospice fundraiser Liam Halligan, who was at the show, said: “Everyone at the hospice would like to thank the boxers, coaches, Left Jab Promotions and particularly Sean Reynolds for putting on such an amazing event. To raise over £9,000 between them is truly astounding.”

Sean and his team have now announced Boxing 4 Kirkwood Round 2 on Saturday, September 3.

If you are interested in taking part or would like to enquire about tickets contact Sean Reynolds on 07889 843642.