Former boxers Denzil Browne and York's own Harry Wharton are staging their own first joint show at the Premier Banqueting Suite in Burmantofts Leeds this Friday with York-based fighters being home boxers in seven of the eight matches.

Undefeated Leeds boxer Billy Pickles will be facing Sheffield’s Jamie Sampson in an eight-round match which provides the joint main event with York’s George Davey fighting in the other.

Speaking on the event, Wharton said: "Yorkshire boxing fans deserve more quality shows.

"We’re hoping that if this initial venture is successful then we’ll branch out to different venues including Bradford, York and maybe smaller towns like Wakefield and Dewsbury as we complement existing promotions to widen the appeal of boxing, the sport we love, and which brings well documented physical, mental and social benefits to all involved.

"It’s about giving talented young boxers the chance to develop their careers and show exactly what they’re made of through frequent bouts standing our boxers in good stead to meet stiff competition with everyone feeling that they’re being brought forward."

Both promoters hail from Leeds but work mainly from York. Wharton, 55, enjoyed a successful ten-year boxing career winning 27 of his 31 bouts more than half by stoppage.

Known for his ‘wicked left hook’, Wharton won Commonwealth and European belts at super middleweight. He now runs Henry’s Gym in York.

Active over fourteen years cruiserweight Browne won 22 of 32 bouts and was twice winner of British Boxing’s Central Area title.

"It’s going to be ‘small hall’ boxing at its best". Browne explained.

"As for the moment we are small fish in the pond of promoters, but we’re aiming for the top.

"Henry and I are investing our time, energy and money and we aim to appeal both to established boxing fans and to people wanting a full evening of exhilarating, exciting sport but who might not have thought of boxing.

"We hope they’ll put aside any prejudices and give the boxers the chance to prove their determination, skill, talent, and most of all stunning physical courage."

York super welterweight George 'G-Force' Davey, 25, is enthusiastic to be competing stating: "I’m delighted to be part of this and honoured to be a co-main event boxer.

"It’s great that Henry and Denzil are giving both fighters and fans chance to enjoy quality boxing and I’m determined to remain undefeated with a typically explosive performance.

"My opponent needs to prepare for eight rounds of powerful punishing punching".

Friday’s show features Nathan Shepherd, 25, in his second pro bout just five weeks after a successful debut and introduces Jack Marshall and Harry Kelly both coached and managed by Wharton.

Marshall, 20, said: "I can’t wait to make my professional debut. I promise everyone I’ll put on a courageous performance which makes family and friends proud and I’m indebted to Henry for the opportunity."

Wharton agreed with Marshall, saying: "Jack, Harry and Nathan need to gain experience and be kept busy to retain their enthusiasm and that’s the ethos of our promotion.

"Our priority is promoting prospects as we place the hand of experience on the shoulder of youth."