SPARRING siblings from Greenock are set to pack a punch this summer in front of an audience of 4,000 people.

Talented pair Noah and Jonah Waddell, who live in John Street, have been invited to attend the Yokkao Supershowdown event at the Macron Stadium in Bolton on July 31.

The boxing brothers will grapple with young Thai boxing fighters from all over the UK at the prestigious event.

Their proud dad Mark, who also coaches his sons, says being invited to appear at the flagship Muay Thai boxing showcase is a big achievement for the boys.

He told the Tele: "The boys have got to a really good level.

"Some really big names will be appearing on the same bill, so it's fantastic for them.

"Ultimate Fighting Championships and mixed martial arts fighting are really growing in popularity and people are finding out more about the skill involved.

"Thai boxing is a really technical sport.

"It's not just about punching - they have to use their elbows and knees, and can kick their opponent."

King's Oak Primary pupil Noah, 12, started training around four years ago.

He said his favourite thing about boxing is winning - and he wants to become a professional UFC fighter one day.

Notre Dame High pupil Jonah, 13, started training when he was around seven.

He is the current Scottish Thai Boxing Association champion and also holds the Fighting for Autism charity belt.

The young boxer says the training helps keep him and Noah fit.

Dad Mark, 39, says a dedicated team of trainers and coaches are helping the boys on the road to success.

The brothers train at Coloseum Martial Arts in Greenock and at Inverclyde Boxing Club, and also receive strength and conditioning coaching from the team at Urban Fit.

Mark says while training in lockdown was tough as the boys missed their team-mates, they were lucky they had each other to spar with.

They even picked up some new techniques on a Zoom call with former professional footballer Lee McCulloch and fighter Spencer Brown.

The boys are sponsored by local businesses including dentist Jed Boland, Jax Snax and RM Landscaping.

Mark says it would be really difficult to keep the boys fighting without their kind support.

According to Mark, the next goal for the boys will be to each win a Thai boxing title, a K1 kick boxing title, and a Scottish national boxing title, so that they can ultimately become MMA champions.

Mark added: "They'd be the first boys in Scotland to do that, as far as we're aware.

"They're very driven and committed.

"Their coaches really believe in them and have taken them to a really high level.

"I'm very proud of both of them and what they've achieved.

"I couldn't ask for better boys."