ALEX HUGHES, a product designer at Dyson In Malmesbury, and Matt Howard, a security guard at Cirencester College, featured in two of the best bouts at the White Collar Boxing Organisation fight night in Swindon on Saturday.

More than 1,000 friends and family of the 32 ‘ordinary Joes’ who became boxers for one night, rammed the Oasis Leisure Centre. Hughes won his fight against Dave Martindale on a split decision while Howard lost narrowly on points to Nathan Hopes.

Hughes had been dubbed ‘The Swan’ by his workmates and entered the ring to the strains of Swan Lake.

“I don’t think I will ever forget the feeling as I got into the ring and heard the roar from all my supporters,” said Hughes. “I knew where they were all sitting in the crowd and as they read out that I worked at Dyson I heard another roar from all my work mates.

“Matt Roberts (our coach) did a fantastic job teaching us to deal with nerves and despite the scale of the occasion, I can really say my mind has never felt clearer and more focused ahead of something like that.

“At an optimistic 5ft 10in I knew my fight was going to be a huge challenge against a rival standing 6ft 3in.

“The first round went to plan, but I had used a lot of energy. As we went back out for the second round I knew I was going to struggle to keep the pace up and got caught trading blows which meant losing a lot of points and taking some big shots to the head.

“As I sat in the corner at the end of the second round I heard that he had won that last round well so I was probably a little behind on points.

“I was absolutely shattered but knew how badly I wanted to win and thought about how much support I had over the last 10 weeks. That last round was probably one of the hardest things I have ever pushed myself through.

“I took some more big shots but dug deep, kept moving and the tactics I had practiced with my team started to pay off. I was scoring again but I had no idea whether it would be enough to pull back the fight.

“At the final bell, we both fell against the ropes exhausted “As we stood either side of the judge I really didn’t know whether I had done enough to win, only that there was nothing left in me and I’d done as much as I could.

“As it was announced that the judges had come to a split-decision, I was just praying that it would go my way. I can’t begin to describe the number of feelings I felt as my name was read out and hand lifted into the air.

“I hugged my coach and punched the air hearing a huge roar back from the crowd.

“Over our 10-week training programme I have made some fantastic friends for life and learned so much about myself. I am more confident, fitter and motivated to keep making to most of every opportunity I get.”

Thirty-six-year-old Howard had to settle for defeat but was still overwhelmed by the whole experience.

“I heard my boxing name – Matt 2 Handsome Howard – and I came out feeling that this was worth all the hard work that I had been through.

“After the three two-minute rounds against Nathan I felt tired but amazing, proud of what I have been through and all the friends I have made on my journey.

“Win, lose or draw it didn’t matter. It was all about taking part and achieving what we think maybe impossible. I know now that it is possible and that anybody can do it!

Zero to Hero Boxing are now recruiting for Swindon season 2 and potential contenders can make contact on makemeahero@zerotoheroboxing.com or phone 01275 595959.