A BOXING novice is bravely stepping into the ring to help a cancer charity’s fight to find a cure for the devastating disease.

Benjamin Bird, from Halstead, is taking part in Ultra White Collar Boxing’s charity fight in Colchester to raise money for Cancer Research.

The event, which will transform ATIK nightclub’s dancefloor into an arena worthy of hosting Anthony Joshua’s fast fists, will see Benjamin pull on a head guard and gloves before stomaching three fast-paced rounds.

The light-hearted but competitive event will follow eight weeks of hard training where Benjamin will push himself beyond his usual limits with the hope of causing an upset and avoiding the canvas.

Benjamin, who also plays rugby for the Halstead Templars, said: “Anyone who knows me, knows I am not a fighter and I have never really had a fight in my whole life.

“So, for those who attend or hear the stories about the night, I am sure you will be in for a right laugh.

“It’s all for a great cause and who knows, I might even win.”

Although a last-minute knockout win would be exhilarating, the real victory in Benjamin’s eyes will be if he can raise at least £1,000 worth of donations for Cancer Research.

He said: “Everyone has been affected by cancer in one form or another, whether it’s family, friends or even yourself.

“I have seen lots of people go through the pain of having someone close to them suffer with the disease and recently it has hit closer to home.

“So, if stepping into a ring and taking a pasting helps contribute to curing cancer, I am willing to do so.”

Ultra White Collar Boxing take place in ATIK nightclub, Colchester, on July 14.

Tickets can be bought from ultratickets.co.uk.

To sponsor Benjamin’s charity fight visit justgiving.com/fundraising/bird13.