Friday night's ABA finals marks a landmark in Oxfordshire sporting history as it is the first time that the county has had two finalists in action on amateur boxing's showpiece occasion.

Bantamweight Lawrence Lewis, from the Wolvercote gym, and Thame featherweight Gareth Couch carry the hopes of the region at the famed York Hall in Bethnal Green - a venue rich in boxing folklore.

The ABA finals were first staged in 1881 and the list of subsequent champions reads like a who's who.

World champions Alan Minter, John H Stracey, Charlie Magri, and John Conteh; Olympic gold medallists Terry Spinks, Dick McTaggart, Chris Finnegan and Audley Harrison, plus household names Henry Cooper and Frank Bruno have all had their names engraved on the prized trophies over the decades.

Now the two Oxfordshire youngsters hope to take their place on the roll of honour.

But there was one major problem that had to be overcome prior to the big night - making sure all the supporters could get tickets.

Thame coach Peter Garnish had to battle with the boxing authorities to get his club's quota, as rumours spread that the event had been sold out weeks in advance.

Eventually, the tickets came through and both Oxfordshire men will have plenty of support in London's east end.

Home Counties ABA president Colin Goodenough, who has been involved with boxing for more than half a century, regards the achievements of the two Oxfordshire contenders as remarkable.

He said: "Over the years, having one ABA finalist from the Home Counties was considered a tremendous feat, but the historic first of getting two there from Oxfordshire is simply amazing.

"We are lucky to have the boxers with the skills, backed up by dedicated coaches who work night and day to prepare them for the big night."