SCOTLAND will take on Canada in a special boxing showdown in Inverclyde next month.

Youngsters from Greenock Boxing Club are preparing to take on their counterparts from St Catharines BC in Ontario at Lady Octavia Sports Centre on March 30.

Top talents from either side of the Atlantic will go toe-to-toe in 14 bouts.

The Canadian team will then return the favour when they host the Inverclyde boys and coaches in July.

Danny Lee jnr, head coach of Greenock, said: "We've been out before to Canada and the first time we went it was the first time some of the boys had been out of Greenock, let alone the country. "As well as the valuable boxing experience, they get to see the likes of Niagara Falls, the CN Tower and enjoy some of the theme parks.

"There will be two big shows when we are over there so the boys will have two contests each.

"It's brilliant for them."

First up is the home show in Greenock in just over four weeks and the club has been overwhelmed by support from families, volunteers and local businesses.

The council and Inverclyde Leisure are providing a bigger venue for the event in Lady Octavia Sports Centre and IL are also putting up free leisure passes for the overseas visitors to use when they are in town.

East end councillor Michael McCormick said: "The provost is also coming along to welcome the Canadian team to Inverclyde and present them with a plaque as a memento of their time here.

"It's nice to showcase the area and some of the good things that are happening here."

West College Scotland will also be filming the event, ScotRail is donating free rail passes for the Canadian team to visit Edinburgh Castle and Thomas Compston, from Compston Catering and 134 Steak House in Greenock, has kindly agreed to feed the boxers and coaches.

Boxer and youth coach, Robbie McKechnie, said: "We're trying to gain as many sponsors as we can. "For the boys, I'm hoping it sets them up for progressing in their boxing careers. "This is valuable international experience for them at home in Greenock."

Head coach Danny has thanked everyone who has supported the club, including kit sponsors Safer Scotland and the family of the late Sandy Burke, owners of the former Salvation Army hall on Bawhirley Road where the club is based.

He said: "We have great support from many businesses, families and our dedicated team of volunteers."

* Tickets for the Greenock show are on sale now, priced £15, by emailing greenockboxingclub@gmail.com or via the club's Facebook page.