Southampton is gearing itself up for what promises to be one of the most sparkling nights of amateur boxing in the city’s history.

Golden Ring ABC have managed to persuade the mighty Royal Navy to come to Southampton to take on their top fighters.

The card, which will be hosted at the city’s Oceana nightclub, currently boasts no fewer than 14 contests, with two junior and 12 senior bouts.

Golden Ring head coach, Stuart Gill, said: “In amateur boxing there is no such thing as a journeyman, so all 28 boxers are coming to win.

“The Royal Navy bring with them all their top boxers and this promises to be a classic night of boxing.

“We have no less than three of our national champions, Jack Stringer, Brad Pauls and Lewie Edmondson, boxing against the matelots with five other bouts that just whet the appetite.

“The Navy can boast a plethora of quality boxers at almost every weight and it is an honour to be able to put a team up against them that I think can match them in every department.

“Royal Navy coach, Graham Alderson, has picked his strongest squad, and as a former Navy and Combined Services champion myself, I know just what these lads will be thinking prior to this night.”

The evening starts off with an intriguing battle between home boxer Lennox “spitfire” Gill and Dorset’s fine young talent Tommy Weeks, son of the Sturminster Newton head coach Sean Weeks.

These two have seemed destined to meet for a few seasons and for one reason or another haven’t but this is the night when they will square up in the ring for pride.

The second bout is a rematch of the national semi-final from last season’s schoolboy championships where Albie Samways and Harrison Pearson put on a brilliant show and stood toe to toe for three rounds.

The show then moves on to the senior bouts.

Tyrone Gordon has only one bout under his belt but takes on Fishergate boxer Sam Carey (Brighton) over 3 x 2 min rounds.

Zake Bainbridge will be making his debut against Issac Douglas (Horseshoe) who is the brother of X-Factor finalist Jermain Douglas over 3 x 2 min rounds.

Conor Thorn from Millbrook will be looking to get bragging rights and back to winning ways over a local opponent from West End club Poseidon, the only local derby of the night.

Totton lad Craig Wilson is coming off the back of two spectacular wins and is up against Cornwall pugilist John Dugard in a light heavyweight battle. Dugard comes to Southampton with an impressive record and so this will be Craig’s sternest test yet.

Then comes the team match.

Shirkhan Ahmdei, Adam Birch, Josh Bowers, Alex Hibbard, Jack Stringer, Jordan Gaunt, Brad Pauls and Lewie Edmondson all face the might of the Royal Navy in what promises to be a host of thrilling contests.

Provisional card: Lennox Gill v Tommy Weeks, Albie Samways v Harrison Pearson, Tyrone Gordon v Sam Carey, Zake Baibridge v Issac Douglas, Connor Thorn v Greg Webb, Craig Wilson v John Dugard, Shirkhan Ahmdei v Luke Fisher, Adam Birch v Max Nutini, Josh Bowers v Michael Minard, Alex Hibbard v Marley Abadom, Jack Stringer v Dan Carey, Jordan Gaunt v Kallum Radley, Brad Pauls v Scott Grant, Lewie Edmondson v Ben Jones.

Doors open this Friday at 6.30pm with the first bell at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 in advance from Golden Ring or £20 on the door.