The second charity fight night, to be held on December 1, will raise funds for the centre’s boxing program but also the police and civilian run Fit for Life program.

The Fit for Life program aims to help youths at risk improve their attendance and behaviour at school.

It currently runs with 12 students from Picton High School and PCYC Southern Highlands club manager Krischan Keller said they hoped to be able to expand the program and bring it to the Highlands.

The program involves picking students up and running a morning boxing session with them at Wollondilly Leisure Centre, before providing them with breakfast and dropping them off at school.

Keller said the students’ attendance and negative incidents at school were tracked through the program.

“Kids have seen a 50 per cent reduction in negative incidences and attendance approaching on 80 per cent. A lot of them sometimes only have a 50 per cent attendance rate and when they participate in the program it’s up to 80-85 per cent which is fantastic,” he said.

“I see it as a double positive, attending school double the time and having half the negative incidences they initially were- clearly it’s having a remarkable effect. That’s why we want to fund this program because it is a really good program.”

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This year’s fight night will be held at Bargo Sports Club and will feature four Highlands boxers.

“We’re hoping to make it an annual event. We got good support last time which we want to try build on,” Keller said.

He said they expected to have between 15 and 20 bouts on the night which could be upwards of 40 boxers for the event with several different weight classes on display.

Last year’s event was the first time PCYC Southern Highlands had held the charity night.

From the funds raised, Keller said they were able to purchase new equipment including gloves, headgear and skipping ropes as well as additional matting which he said made the floor more secure and “more in line with a boxing studio”.

The boxing program currently has about 50 people involved from juniors, through to youth and senior boxers.

“There’s a full development pathway in place now,” Keller said.

Doors will open from 5.30pm with the first bout scheduled for 6pm.

Keller said there would be a raffle on the night and also hoped to run a live auction.

Tickets start $20 for individuals, with family passes and tables, which include event entry, a drinks package and a two course meal, also available.

Visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/charity-fight-night-tickets-51282305757 for details and to book.

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