A BOXING event will help the fight against stigma surrounding mental health problems and homosexuality among young people.

The first OX-BOX tournament will feature competitors from seven of Oxfordshire’s clubs and promote the benefits of the sport.

Organised by charity Oxfordshire Youth, there will be stalls tackling issues surrounding mental health and homophobia.

Banbury Boxing Club coach Ben Malcher, who is organising the event in his role working for Oxfordshire Youth, said: “Boxing gives young people something to focus on, a lot of dedication is required to train and perform well enough to win.

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“It keeps you fit and encourages a positive attitude and the boys get good role models in the club.”

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Banbury Boxing Club coach Ben Malcher.

The Oxfordshire Youth club support officer added: “For a lot of young people it gives them an escape and an opportunity to forget about their troubles “Lots of kids with depression and weight issues turn to boxing.

“We want to educate coaches about the issues facing young people.”

Time to Change, a charity that tackles stigma around mental health, will have a stall at Sunday’s event along with Stonewall, an organisation that champions equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Oxford rapper Chuckie, whose lyrics cover mental health issues, will perform in the interval.

Boxers from seven county clubs – Abingdon, Banbury, Berinsfield, Blackbird Leys, Oxford Boxing Academy, Spit’n’Sawdust of Banbury and Windrush Valley – will compete in 18 contests.

The bouts will see them fight opponents from as far away as Portsmouth and Bedford.

One of the boxers will be England Boxing Junior Novice Lightweight Champion Ashley Banks.

The 16-year-old from Bicester won four fights on the way to beating Bradford’s Rahul Gondalia for the title in December.

The Blessed George Napier schoolboy took up the sport five years ago and said it has helped him focus on his education.

Mr Banks said: “It helps to channel all your aggression but it also teaches you that if you do work hard at something, you will become good at it.

The event starts at 2pm on Sunday at Spiceball Leisure Centre , Banbury.

Tickets on the door are £12 for adults and £6 for under-18s.