The show will be presented by Lucy Kennedy and boxing legend Barry McGuigan and will feature; ex-footballer Lee Sharpe, comedian Alan Shortt, Fair City actor MacLean Burke, TV presenter John McGuire, Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Sean Gallagher, journalist Joe O’Shea, former GAA star Jack Sheedy, journalist Paul Martin, RTÉ Young People’s presenter Rob Ross and UK Apprentice star Ben Clarke.
The four-parter which will be broadcast on RTÉ One at 9.30pm on Saturday 15 August, Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19 and Sunday 22 August, is being produced by Screentime ShinAwil for RTÉ.
Boxing trainers are James “Buddy” McGirt, and Peter Taylor (coach and father of Katie Taylor, World Champion Women’s Boxer). As well as pride and passion, the contestants will have an extra incentive to impress in the ring with their chosen charity receiving more money the longer they stay in the competition, donated through corporate sponsorship.
The bouts will be overseen by professional referees and judged by a panel of well known guest judges from the boxing world. The judges will be awarding points after each round with the emphasis being placed on style, movement and defence along with other essential boxing skills which the contestants will have been taught during training.
Brian Peters Promotions will oversee the entire series to ensure that the standards associated with professional boxing events are adhered to throughout. The regulatory body for professional boxing in Ireland, the Boxing Union of Ireland, is also assisting in the series. All 10 celebrities will also have to pass a rigorous half-day medical before being allowed to take part in the boot-camp and protective headgear will be worn for all ring training and bouts.