SEVERAL fighters will be making home debuts when the Gladiators club stage a first-ever boxing show at Colne Valley Leisure Centre in Slaithwaite next month.

The youngest boxer making his first appearance on Friday, December 7, is Salman Tanvir – known as Manny – who is just 10 years old.

It’s a skills bout in which both youngsters receive a trophy and get their hand raised, and Tanvir’s opponent is travelling up from London.

Only four boxers in the country do the weight of 23kg, so it’s an exciting opportunity for the Gladiators prospect. Martell Moss is another who will have a debut skills bout on the bill.

Conner Doyle, a stylish boxer and a future prospect in the lighter weights, is hoping to be cheered to victory by a large crowd, while making a comback after a few years out of the ring are Michael Armstrong, Nick Hylton and Marvan Ibrihim – all three having the skill and power to trouble anyone put in front of them.

The Hirst brothers, Dan (the current ABA Senior Novice Yorkshire Champion) and Tom (last season’s CYP Yorkshire Champion), plus young Jack (looking for an opponent in the ABA Junior Novice Championships) will be making their Colne Valley debut after boxing away from home for the last two seasons.

Talented Olly Smith, a Novice, is fighting in Manchester tonight before tackling the home show, when opponents have come from all over the country.

Prospects Amir Ahmedi, Frank Wilson, Billy Holmes and Paddy Doyle finish off the Huddersfield line-up.

New sponsor Christian Smith Plant & Machinery will supply boxing vests for the Gladiators.

The show is all-ticket and bookings can be made through Tom Mooney on 07939 601172 or Dennis Doyle on 07960 251127. Tickets are limited.

Meanwhile, Ricky Hatton will have no fears over his punch resistance when he makes his highly-anticipated comeback in Manchester this weekend.

Former two-weight world champion Hatton takes on once-beaten Ukrainian Vyacheslav Senchenko in a 10-round welterweight contest tomorrow night, returning to the ring three-and-a-half years on from his last outing.

On that occasion, the 34-year-old (inset) fell victim to Manny Pacquiao’s blurring fists inside two brutal rounds at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand.

Having overcome a raft of personal problems to launch his comeback, Hatton conceded to feeling apprehensive the first time he sparred in preparation for Senchenko.

“It was the biggest test really,” he said. “In my first spar I was nervous.

“But the first time I got hit on the chin I wanted to knock him out, so that’s a positive.”

Relentless determination was a hallmark of Hatton’s heyday and he believes tapping into the same qualities have been vital in pursuit of the 10st 7lbs welterweight limit, having come close to tipping the scales at 15 stone before a return to gym .

“Every time a wall’s been put in front of me I’ve knocked it down,” he said. “That’s how it’s been.”