WILLIES Amateur Boxing Club are hosting their first home show this Saturday, at the Princes Theatre, in Clacton.

Willies Gym, in Colchester, is home to professional and non-professional boxers, as well as keep-fitters.

In April, they became affiliated with the Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) so can compete at grass-roots level and cater for their many youngsters.

On Saturday, Willies ABC have 12 of their own boxers competing alongside boxers from Old London Pit, in Clacton, Suffolk Punch, in Ipswich, and Alresford Boxing Clubs.

They will be in action over 25 bouts, against boxers from all over London and the Home Counties.

"It's not only our first show, in which many of our boxers will be making their debuts, but it's also at the same place I made my amateur boxing debut (for Harwich) in November 1998," said Willies coach Tommy Jacobs.

"The Princes Theatre feels like home to me.

"I brought boxing back there with the Essex Boxing Organisation (EBO) and then brought professional boxing there and to Clacton for the first time in 80 years, when it was at Butlins Holiday Camp.

"Amateur boxing is my true passion and, since being a youngster, I’ve always known I would have my own amateur club one day.

"Now I can give these youngsters the best experiences in this glorious sport and it all begins on Saturday.

"Our show isn’t going to be like most amateur shows.

"We’ve pulled out all the stops to give these youngsters the platform they deserve.

"Since opening, we're going from strength to strength and our boxers are testament to that.

"It’s our first season and the only loss as a club we have had was in the finals of the Novice ABA Championships.

"We hope for a great turnout on the day as tickets are only £10 for adults and £5 for juniors. We'd also like to offer free entry to any carded (registered) amateur boxers."

The doors open at midday, with the boxing commencing at 12.30pm.

"We’d like to thank all the travelling clubs and officials and, of course, Tendring Council for helping us get this show off the ground, keeping our kids off the streets and doing something constructive."