Six of the best get ready to battle it out

Thirty wannabe ‘Rocky Balboas’ are making final preparations for entering the ring before 1,000 cheering spectators.

Workers today begin erecting a giant marquee to facilitate the boxing ring in Bandon, Co Cork.

Some of the boxers have never even stepped inside the ropes before but the six women and 24 men have all taken part in a tough training programme created by former Olympic boxer Cathal O’Grady for the colourful Battle of Bandon. The event kicks off on Friday at 8pm.