Two teenage boxers from Enler ABC in County Down will travel to Manchester this weekend for the Manchester Box Cup competition. Bobby Boardman, 14, from Comber, and Zac Foster, 15, from Newtownards, are among the club's leading young fighters.

Head coach Jonny Hunter said the club holds high expectations for their performances. Boardman has collected Armagh/Down, County Louth and Ulster 9 Counties titles since Enler ABC opened 19 months ago. Foster, who joined 10 months ago, is a three-time Armagh/Down and Mid Ulster champion, a five-time Ulster 9 Counties winner and a two-time Manchester Box Cup victor.

Hunter noted that the pair have been sparring together regularly, giving each other experience against contrasting styles. He described Boardman as a stylish point-scorer and Foster as a hard-hitting pressure fighter.

Boardman stated he feels ready to win the tournament and believes his training has prepared him sufficiently. Foster, who has previous success in Manchester, said his aim is to perform to his usual standard and give his best effort.

Looking beyond this event, Hunter said the long-term ambition is for both boxers to earn places on County Antrim teams, qualify for the Ireland national squad, and secure Ulster and national titles in the coming years.