Five Oldham amateur boxers will travel to Ireland later this month as they look to move a step closer to joining the professional ranks, writes Chloe Waterhouse.

In less than two weeks’ time, five fighters from Stubby’s Boxing Gym in Shaw will compete in the Emerald Box Cup 2023 - a competition could provide the opportunity for new doors to be opened in to the professional boxing world.

Thomas Heffron (16), Ishey Chinembiri (25), Malik Noman Hussain (19), Max Whitehead (16) and Charlie Shepard (18) will be making their international debuts over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

After an extensive amount of training with ex-professional boxer, Darren Stubbs, and a nine-week training programme designed and delivered by coach Lee McCusker, the boys hope to put what they’ve been practising into action and bring back a win to Stubby’s gym.

For the five lads, the event could be one of the biggest weekends in their fighting careers, to take the first steps to becoming professional boxers.

Chinembiri, the oldest of the five Oldham fighters, said: “I’ve been boxing since I was 13. Competing in the Emerald Box Cup will provide a fantastic opportunity to put what I have learnt so far to the test, and compete against other top amateurs from around the world.

“It’s going to be an experience I will never forget.”

Heffron aims to turn up the heat in less than two weeks’ time, with a record of four wins from his five bouts - one by knockout .As for the other boxers, they hope to build up their winning streaks in Ireland.

Stubby’s Boxing Gym has been the perfect training ground for the lads, providing them with on-going support both in and out of the ring.

Gym owner, Darren Stubbs, is hoping the fighters’ hard work in preparation for the competition will pay off.

“We hope the lads come out with a win over in Ireland, they have been training hard and their dedication to turn pro is unmeasurable,” he said.

“Working with these lads has been fantastic for me, and the other coaches and has inspired our other boxers to want to fight at our local show in November.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported the boys and the gym and let’s hope these lads bring back a win.”

Coach McCusker echoed those thoughts.

He said: “I’m proud to see how far the lads have come over their nine-week training period.

“I hope they put everything they learn into action when they step into the ring.”