A SPORTING fundraiser is set to pack a punch by encouraging businessmen and women to swap suits for boxing gloves in a corporate-inspired showdown.

The North-East’s former world bantamweight champion, Stuart Hall, is urging office workers, managers, and CEOs to go head-to-head between the ropes next month.

And dozens of businessmen have signed up for the cause, but only a handful of women have agreed to step into the ring.

The unique meeting – called Taking Care of Business – is set to raise thousands of pounds for organisations in need across the North-East.

But Darlington’s Mr Hall has appealed for more women to join the growing list of competitors who must agree to fundraise in the run-up to the boxing bout.

Mr Hall, who hopes to regain his bantamweight title later this year, said: “The North-East has a proud tradition in female boxing.

“Four years ago, Savannah Marshall, who comes from Hartlepool, became the first woman from Great Britain to win gold at the World Amateur Boxing Championships and will be going for gold at the Rio Olympics this summer.

“A little farther afield, Nicola Adams, from West Yorkshire, became the first women’s Olympic boxing champion at London 2012.

“It doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman - boxing is a great way to get fit.

“By signing up for Taking Care of Business and training alongside me, all the contestants will improve their fitness levels, learn how to box and have some fun at the same time. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Hartlepool’s Miss Marshall, who has been dubbed as the Silent Assassin, originally discovered boxing after joining a North-East club before going on to win secure a haul of medals from amateur and Commonwealth competition.

And competitors joining July’s fundraiser will be fully equipped with a gum shield and full head protection to ensure no fighters sustain injuries during their evenly-matched bouts.

Mr Hall added: “Corporate boxing events in other parts of the country have already raised thousands for charity. Now it’s the North-East’s turn to show what it can do.”

For tickets to the Dolphin Centre event on Saturday, July 16, or to fundraise, visit corporatepersonalfitness.co.uk/events