Contenders announced for Sport Relief’s Celebrity Boxing 2018

Four fearless celebrities are set to face their toughest challenge yet as Celebrity Boxing for Sport Relief returns to BBC One.

Live on stage at this evening’s National Television Awards, Freddie Flintoff announced that ex-footballer Wayne Bridge will go head to head with television personality Spencer Matthews whilst singer and actress Hannah Spearritt will get inside the ring with The Saturdays star Vanessa White.

After putting themselves through a gruelling training programme, the stars will battle it out on BBC One during Sport Relief’s Night of TV taking place Friday 23 March.

Flintoff also announced that he and Davina McCall will join previously announced Gary Lineker in the presenting line-up for this year’s Sport Relief Night of TV which sees some of the BBC’s best-loved programmes and nation’s favourite faces encouraging people to raise money for worthwhile charities by getting active in the most imaginative, surprising and entertaining ways.

Each of the celebrities taking part in Celebrity Boxing has undergone a medical by a BBC approved doctor. Coaches at England Boxing are working closely with the celebrities to make sure they follow all of the sport’s safety guidelines, medical procedures and regulations. The amateur bouts will be officially licenced by England Boxing.

England Boxing’s CEO Gethin Jenkins said: “These bouts are an excellent example of how anyone can take up boxing in a safe, regulated, enjoyable and rewarding environment. Sport Relief is a fantastic charity event raising millions and putting back into the community including some of our member clubs. The Celebrity Boxing provides not only an opportunity to raise money for the charity but to also showcase the benefits of amateur boxing when conducted within the Governing Body’s rules.”

Held every other year, alternating with Red Nose Day, the last Sport Relief in 2016 raised £72.5 million. Money raised this Sport Relief will help vulnerable people, across the UK and the world, to live happier, healthier and safer lives.

Colin Hopkins, BBC Executive Producer, Sport Relief 2018 said: ”Sport Relief is synonymous for encouraging well known faces to step out of their comfort zones – and Celebrity Boxing is one of the toughest challenges we have taking place this year. The four celebrities deserve a huge amount of respect for their dedication and commitment in preparing for their fights, and in turn for helping to raise money for such a fantastic cause. It’s going to be a very exciting night and I can’t wait to see the boxers in the ring!”

Image courtesy of Sport Relief on the BBC