Oswestry boxing fans who have always fancied stepping into the ring will soon have the chance – and they will share the bill with a former heavyweight champion.

Gledrid-based businessman and boxing promoter Mike Williams is staging his first “white collar” fight night in May.

The evening will allow people with no boxing experience to step into the ring and go toe-to-toe for three rounds with a similarly inexperienced opponent.

On the same bill will be two-time heavyweight world champion Tim Witherspoon, who during the evening will be boxing the winner of a charity fundraising challenge.

Mr Williams, who also plans to bring Mike Tyson to Shropshire next month for a sportsmen’s dinner, said: “We are looking for people who have always wanted to get in the ring and have a fight.

“They will have headguards on and we will find them the biggest padded gloves we can and there will be medical staff on hand as well. We are not looking for amateur or former boxers. This is an invite to ordinary people who just want to know what it is like to get in the ring.

“It should be a good night. We will have four white collar bouts, eight professional fights and of course an appearance by Tim Witherspoon.

“Witherspoon will be fighting the person who bids the most to take him on. We are inviting bids now and the person with the highest bid will go three rounds with Witherspoon.”

Mr Williams said the event would be held at Liquid Nightclub in Wrexham on May 16. To apply to take part call (01691) 774356.