A TUTOR at Shipley College will go from the classroom to the boxing ring to help raise money for the fight against cancer.

Matt Green has taught at Shipley College for seven years, including teaching sports. For the past few weeks he has been swotting up on boxing, a sport he has had no experience with until recently, in preparation for an ambitious fundraising event.

Later this month the 37 year old will step into the ring to participate in his first-ever boxing match after just eight weeks of training.

Matt, an experienced fundraiser, is a learning coach and part-time sports lecturer, and has a personal motivation to participate in a "white collar boxing" event in Halifax on March 28 after his father-in-law lost his own battle against lung cancer 18 months ago.

White collar boxing, which involves non professional boxers squaring up to each other, often for charity, has become hugely popular in recent years.

The event Matt will be taking part in is to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

He said: “I was really motivated to do it as my father in law died of cancer so I wanted to do it for him. I have always been a fan of boxing, and this has been an amazing opportunity to learn a new skill. It is so rewarding personally but also to know I am raising money and awareness for Cancer Research UK is fantastic.”

College principal Nav Chohan said: “Matt has shown some real grit and determination in taking on this boxing challenge. He is a truly inspirational person and a credit to the college, so we are paying for sponsorship of his vest to show our support. Matt has also organised a competition with his students to pick his ring name.”

Matt, who used to play Rugby League, has lost a stone training twice a week with professional boxing coaches, and working out in the gym individually. He has also given up alcohol as part of his training and is eating healthily to make sure he is the best shape possible. He has swapped takeaways and crisps for fresh fruit and poached eggs.

The father of five, who lives in Halifax, added: “I feel much healthier and much more alert at work after having a healthy breakfast which sets me up for the day. I’m really enjoying the training, it’s very hard. But I thought being pushed to the limit and experiencing some pain is nothing compared to what people go through when dealing with cancer.”

Although his wife Adele will at the match to show her support, his children will not be allowed, and he said: “My three sons are really disappointed they can’t come and watch, as you have to be 18 to be a spectator.”

Tom Digby, Bradford and Halifax Franchisee for Ultra White Collar Boxing, says: “Ultra White Collar Boxing is a unique opportunity for people with no boxing background to experience the wonderful world of boxing in a safe and enjoyable environment. At all White Collar Boxing events participants wear protective head gear and gloves, there are also paramedics and a doctor at all events to ensure the highest level of safety possible for our competitors. We match competitors based on size and ability, and insurance is available for everyone participating.

Everyone taking part receives eight weeks free training."

* Ultra White Collar Boxing, the company that Mr Green is working with, has raised almost £800,000 for Cancer Research.

To sponsor Matt's boxing challenge go to justgiving.com/Matthew-Green29.