The upsurge of amateur boxing in Oxfordshire could be halted in its tracks as a shortage of officials is placing the future of the sport in jeopardy.

The past season has been one of the best in living memory with two senior ABA finalists - Wolvercote bantamweight Lawrence Lewis and Thame featherweight Gareth Couch - plus two teenagers from Berinsfield (Simon Welsh and Ben Stewart) reaching the last four in the corresponding junior competition.

But the hard work of the coaches could count for nothing if there are not enough judges and referees at the ringside when the boxers climb through the ropes to compete.

Mel Corrigan, president of the Oxon, Berks & South Bucks Amateur Boxing Association, said: "Boxing requires a constant flow of young blood to keep the sport alive.

"That happens as kids start boxing as schoolboys and then progress through their teenage years until they compete as seniors.

"But unfortunately that is not happening with the control of the sport - the very people who judge and referee each bout.

"When they hang up their gloves, a lot of boxers drift towards coaching, but the same number do not move towards controlling bouts.

"The situation in Oxfordshire is not unique. The ABA are currently compiling pages on their website to attract new blood into the sport to become the judges, timekeepers and referees of tomorrow.

"There are numerous ex-boxers all around the county who competed for several clubs in Oxfordshire and could view this as the ideal opportunity to return to an active role in the sport."

For further information contact Mel Corrigan on 01865 341348 or 07860 156950.