All the excitement of the ring came to Tunbridge Wells last week in Kent's first ever corporate white-collar boxing event.

Eight contenders fought it out against the backdrop of the 230-seater Victorian Theatre of Salomons Estate.

The fighters, who ranged in age from 17-49 all represented local companies including Markerstudy Group, WardMackenzie and Gerrard White Recruitment.

A full theatre watched boxers fight throughout their 90 second bouts.

Once all the matches had finished, the scores were added up and the oldest contestant, Darren 'Powers' Austin, was crowned 'Fighter of the Night'.

Darren was representing Synergee, a firm of chartered accountants and business advisers in Tunbridge Wells.

He received a £1,000 cheque to donate to his nominated charity CHYPS.

Darren said: “When I signed up for this I did not realise just how big a challenge it was going to be. I was really pleased just to get through the training and represent Synergee in my bout on the evening.

"Winning boxer of the night, together with an extra £1,000 for my charity, really was the icing on the cake. Well done to my fellow boxers, it has been a great journey together.”

Nick Moore, commercial director of Markerstudy Leisure, commented: “It was certainly an exciting night – sometimes unbearably so. The atmosphere in the room was electrifying. I’d like to pay special tribute to the fighters, each of whom gave their all.”

Each fighter received Amateur Boxing Association membership and a three-month personalised and supported training schedule from Rusthall Boxing Club coach Billy Hall.