Oxfordshire boxers start their quest for glory this weekend in this year's ABA Championships, with Thame United FC hosting the opening bouts in both the senior and junior competitions on Saturday.

Heading the list of Wolvercote's prospects is Chris Woods, who has dropped down a division since claiming the Home Counties middleweight crown 12 months ago.

The 25-year-old light-middleweight feels stronger after shedding 9lbs.

Paul Stedman, 28, is attempting his first campaign, having improved since joining the Wolvercote gym. The Banbury light-welterweight previously boxed for Oxford YMCA.

Wolvercote's two other contenders are unlikely to have to lace a glove in the opening round.

Cassington bantamweight Lawrence Lewis should have a walkover into the quarter-finals, along with super heavyweight Paul Joyce.

Joyce, another championship debutant, already has a major psychological advantage before the competition gets under way. He has already claimed the prized scalp of defending ABA champion Matt Grainger on a club show last season.

Completing the Wolvercote contingent is 17-year-old welterweight Michael O'Leary, the club's lone entrant in the ABA junior championships.

Danny Nevin, Thame BC's young prospect, is through to the finals of the National Schoolboys Championship.

Nevin beat Dennis Hindes (Eltham) in the semi-finals at Datchet on points, a notable victory over an opponent who had won 18 of his 23 bouts.

He now goes through to the zone finals on March 9 in Barnsley.

Three Thame boxers were in action in Jersey at the weekend, resulting in a win for John Nevin and defeats for Mark McCullough and Ben Underwood.

Wolvercote's 18-year-old lightweight Corin McLean added another victory to his collection when he outpointed local prospect Ryan Powell in Jersey.