Sparks are expected to fly when the Bermuda International Boxing Association stages its first card at BAA Gymnasium next month.

As many as 24 local amateur boxers will showcase their ringcraft during the 12-bout card to be held on May 10.

Headlining the event is the super-heavyweight masters bout pitting Leo Richardson, of Controversy Gym, against Chioke Tucker, of Allan “Forty” Rego’s gym. The bout will be Tucker’s last as an amateur before he steps up to the professional ranks.

“Chioke wants to go professional, so we’ve convinced Leo to at least do one more bout to test this guy,” Leon Raynor, the BIBA executive, said.

Richardson has earned a reputation for conquering heavier opponents, but could find his work cut out against Tucker, who has broadened his horizons in Britain, where he sparred with European champions.

Another mouth-watering super-heavyweight clash will feature Stefan Dill, of Police Gym, against Archie Tucker, of Controversy Gym. “That’s really going to be a slug match,” Raynor said.

There are also a pair of light-heavyweight bouts that will pit Reyel Bowen, of Rego’s Gym, against Deondre Morris, of the Bermuda Karate Institute, and George Cook, of Controversy Gym, against Gianni Smith, of Rego’s Gym. Cook and Smith are making their amateur debuts.

Deandre Burgess, of Police Gym, will take on King Somner, of Controversy Gym, in a super-middleweight bout, while Callon Burns, of Controversy Gym, will face Mark Prior, of the Bermuda Karate Institute in a middleweight clash. Keanu Wilson, of the Bermuda Sanshou Association, will take on Kaya Simmons, of Rego’s Gym, while Omar Dill, of Rego’s Gym, will test his skills against Tyler Christopher, of Controversy Gym.

Cole Hill, of Controversy Gym, will take on Jordan Lowe, of Rego’s Gym, in a junior middleweight bout while Anthony Williams, of Controversy Gym, and Tahie Smith, of Rego’s Gym, will do battle in a lightweight contest.

Remaining bouts will include Lea-Jai Tucker, of Rego’s Gym, taking on Jerez Eve, of Controversy Gym, in a bantamweight bout.

Teenagers Naizari Roberts, of Controversy Gym, and Andrew Haye, of Rego’s Gym, will also go toe-to-toe.

Local boxing greats Clarence Hill, Troy Darrell and Quinn Paynter will be among those acknowledged for their past achievements in the sport at next month’s event, which has been fittingly dubbed “The Homecoming”, as BAA previously hosted boxing throughout the Seventies and Eighties.

Tickets for the card can be purchased at the International Sports Shop or at the door. Ringside tickets are $60, while general admission is $40.