HOMELESS fighters from Worcester are to box in memory of their friend and help put cancer on the canvas.

Ashley Mitchell and friend Warren, both residents at St Paul’s Hostel in Tallow Hill, Worcester, are to box at Ultra White Collar Boxing at Perdiswell Leisure Club in Worcester this Saturday, beginning at 5.30pm.

'In memory of Phil Walker’ will be emblazoned on both their shorts on fight night.

They say his memory will be their main motivation.

Mr Walker, a service user who had lived in the hostel and moved on to independent living, died recently aged just 32 years.

The charity fight will raise money for Cancer Research UK. The two men say they have already raised £2,000 but hope the fight will give their fundraising some added punch.

Warren, aged 34, who wished to be referred to only by his first name, boxed as a youth and fought in a charity fight last December. He has previously spent nights rough sleeping in Worcester and Birmingham.

He said: “Fighting for Phil will give us more heart. He was supposed to be fighting as well on Saturday. I feel Robbo (the trainer) has given me the hope to think positive.”

Mr Mitchell, 22, living at the hostel since last August, said: “I have never been in the ring before. This is the first time. I’m quite quick. For me it’s more about speed than power.”

Warren described himself as unpredictable and an awkward opponent. So far he is undefeated, drawing against his last opponent.

At 12 stone, Warren said he was three stone lighter than his opponent. Ashley is 11 stone, giving away two stone to his opponent who he said bore a striking resemblance to Charles Bronson.

Ashley plans to enter the ring to Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal while Warren has yet to select his tune.

Their trainer Robbo Roberts, a former doorman who has trained boxers to international standard, was asked to help with training at the hostel by friend Shaun Sinclair who worked the doors in Birmingham with Mr Roberts.

Mr Roberts said: “I really do think the boxing has made them better people. I have noticed a change.”

He described Phil as a ‘diamond gentleman’ and said he was a natural fighter with a good technical understanding of boxing.

He said: “Phil was doing brilliantly. He was very powerful. He would have been a really good fighter with a good head for boxing."

If you can help the fighters raise funds contact the hostel on 1905 723 729.