TOP class international boxing comes to the Newport Centre this spring when the British Lionhearts take on the French Fighting Roosters in the World Series of Boxing (WSB).

Ireland’s three-time European champion and world championship medallist Joe Ward and 2016 GB Boxing champion Cyrus Pattinson have been confirmed in the Lionhearts team.

The Lionhearts squad that competes in WSB is made up of boxers from the GB Boxing Olympic squad along with a number of overseas selections.

WSB is a global team competition contested by the world’s leading amateurs which bridges the gap between Olympic and professional boxing.

Fighters compete without vests or head guards over five three-minute rounds and a WSB match is contested over five bouts.

Welterweight Pattinson, said: “I love competing in WSB and am really looking forward to boxing in Newport.

“The WSB events are much more like a professional show with a weigh-in the day before, face-offs and a ring walk on the night, so it creates a really great atmosphere.

“As a member of the GB Boxing squad I usually compete overseas, so to be able to box in the UK is going to be brilliant.”

Lionhearts head coach Rob McCracken, who is also GB Boxing’s performance director and coach of world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, added: “WSB is a top class competition.

“All of the leading nations and the best boxers take part in it and WSB shows feature five evenly matched high-quality bouts.

“Wales has consistently produced boxers that are part of the GB Boxing squad so it is great that we are able to bring this match to Newport and put on a show for the fans.”

Hosting a WSB match in Newport is part of a decision by the British Lionhearts to move the team out of London and around the country for the group stages of the 2018 season.

The other fixtures taking place outside the capital will be in Gateshead later this month and Liverpool in March.

Councillor Debbie Wilcox, leader of Newport City Council, said: “This promises to be a great event with the chance to watch top class athletes in action.

“With the support of our leisure partners Newport Live, local people will have the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the World Series of Boxing on their doorstep.

“This is the latest in a series of high-profile events we’re hosting in Newport – really putting us on the sporting map.”

Early bird discount tickets for British Lionhearts versus France Fighting Roosters at the Newport Centre on Saturday, April 14 are on sale now, priced £16.50 (including booking fee) at gbboxing.org.uk/tickets.