Charlie Kenny of West Ham BC

Local amateur boxers launch their first bid for national honours when the NE London Divisional Novice Championships are staged at Five Star BC, Harold Hill, on Saturday (12 noon start).

The annual ABA novices event has two sections, Class A for boxers with under 10 bouts, and Class B for under 20 bouts, and continues with the winners proceeding to London finals then the National rounds of the competition.

West Ham BC, who have made their mark in the novice championships in recent years, line up the following entry list for Saturday: Class A under-57kg – Astijus Kazlauskas.

Class A under-63.5kg – Mertys Rowan Wagner.

Class A under-71kg – Mitchell Frearson.

Class A under-75kg – Jamie Wood.

Class B under-60kg – Boston Reid.

Class B under-71kg – Burim Ahmeti.

■ A mixed team of juniors and seniors from the West Ham club head for Ireland this weekend to face a powerful home line-up arranged by the Monkstown BC in Dublin.

The 14-strong squad from the Black Lion Gym fly out with a trio of club trainers to take part in the tournament on Saturday night at the Cuala Club, Dalkey.

Hammers include champions from their impressive line-up, such as the multi-titled Charlie Kenny alongside some less experienced youngsters in their travelling group this weekend.