Boxers from the New Controversy Gym will be showcasing their pugilism skills “under the stars” with several exhibition bouts to be held outside at Devonshire Recreation Club tonight.

Organised by the Queen’s Club-based gym and sponsored by the Bermuda Boxing Federation, the event starts at 8pm and will feature as many as 14 boxers from eight years old to adults.

Among those venturing between the ropes will be Leo “the Lionheart” Richardson, the New Controversy Gym coach, Tyler Christopher, Jared Jimenez, Anthony Williams, Ansar Talbot and Naizari Roberts.

Richardson stressed than the two-round bouts would not be “full-bloodied” and were about showcasing the gym’s talent and giving its younger boxers valuable ring experience.

He added that boxers from other stables such as Police Gym and Forty Rego’s Gym were also more than welcome to participate.

“I’ve got about seven kids and seven adults taking part from Controversy,” Richardson. “It’s going to be an exhibition showcase event and the youngsters are really excited about it. For many of them it will be the first time they have stepped inside a ring.

“I’ll be doing a bit of an exhibition with the youngsters, who will also be sparring with each other.

“I’ll probably do a little bit with one or two of the adults as well.

“I feel it’s very important to give these guys more ring experience, so when they have sanctioned fights they will have that under their belts.”

“You don’t want to just throw the youngsters to the wolves. You want to give them a feel for competing in front of an crowd so they can learn to handle the nerves.”

Richardson said that if the event had to be cancelled because of bad weather it would be held at CedarBridge Academy or moved to next Friday.

“Hopefully we will be blessed with the weather and tomorrow night will be fine.

“We have spoken about the possibility of moving the event to CedarBridge if it does rain, but we will see what happens.

The BBF, whose president is Debra Smith, have recently beefed up its executive with Richardson coming on board as vice-president, Eron Hill appointed treasurer and Joy Eve named secretary.

Richardson said that the BBF, which has been strongly criticised recently for its inactivity, hoped to stage another event this summer at Snorkel Park in Dockyard, featuring sanctioned bouts.

Tickets for tonight’s event are available from Branded Life, Guilty Pleasures and the promoters, cost $10 for children, $20 for adults, $30 for lower balcony and $50 for upper balcony, including food, drink and free admission to the afterparty. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the DRC youth programme.