YOUNG boxing stars from around the region will be stepping into the ring in a prestigious boxing tournament to be held in Preston.

The Schoolboy Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) regional finals -- one of the amateur boxing world's best-loved events, is taking place from this weekend at Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre.

Sports fans, boxing lovers, and even people new to the sport can drop in and soak up the atmosphere as some of the best young boxers from the North West fight it out for the coveted title.

Fighters from Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man will be battling it out in front of the crowds.

And the Brindle Road leisure centre is no stranger to the popular tournament, having held it six years in a row.

Now the SABA is coming back to Bamber Bridge for this year's event.

Paul Shannon, spokesman for Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre, said: "Once again Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre is pleased to be the host of the Schoolboy Amateur Boxing Association Championships.

"It will be a great event, even for people who have never been to see boxing before."

Saturday, January 12 will see the Regional Preliminary rounds, with the first punch being thrown at 2pm.

Then the regional finals will be held on Monday, January 20, with the first bout being fought at 7pm.

All adults and children are welcome.

Tickets for the preliminary matches are £5 for adults and £3.50 for under-tens.

Tickets for the finals are £6 for adults and £3.50 for children.

For more information ring the leisure centre on 01772 322012.