Carpenter Jim Wadlow has signed up for his first boxing bout ... aged 37.

Cambs Times: March ABC boxer Jim training for first fight aged 37. Picture: Steve Williams.March ABC boxer Jim training for first fight aged 37. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

The father-of-one has been training at March ABC for two and a half years. In February, he decided to take things up a notch and sign up for a bout.

On July 4, in front of a travelling army of 60 family and friends, Wadlow will step into the ring at a white collar boxing charity show in aid of Arthur Rank Hospice and Prince’s Trust in Stoke-Cum-Quay. He has been matched against another debutant boxer.

Wadlow said: “My colleague Rob convinced me to come along two and a half years ago. I signed up for the bout in February. I just wanted a challenge.

“My family and friends are all really up for it. They will be there on the night. I’ve got 60 people coming and the place holds 400!”

Since taking on the bout, Wadlow has dedicated himself to his training, and there have been a few painful moments.

He said: “I’ve had my nose broken and there’s been a few scrapes, but that’s all part and parcel of the experience. I’m training four times a week and not drinking. I’m the fittest I’ve ever been.

“I’m enjoying the training. I’ve kept pushing myself because I want to know I’ve given my best. There will be no regrets.”

Wadlow says, if his wife Kelly gets her way, it will be his only bout. But he’s not ruling out another contest down the line.

He said: “According to my wife, it’s the only one. I’ll see how it goes. I’ve enjoyed training so there may be another one in me.”