A Mount Maunganui father is returning to Tauranga's premier charity boxing event determined to leave his mark in what's becoming the most competitive and successful event to date.

On July 25, ASB Arena will host 20 local amateur fighters, who will re-focus from police duties, putting out fires and operating a checkout to hooking, jabbing and upper-cutting for the DARE to Fight For Youth Event.

Alan Hammonds and son Mahy. Photo: Salina Galvan Photography.

And there is no one keener than 37-year-old Mount Steelcraft employee Al Hammonds.

Last year Al was hoping to head into the ring representing the tragic loss of his son Ethan when his wife Nikki went into labour 16 weeks early.

'I was meant to fight last year but had to pull out an hour before my bout. My wife went into labour 16 weeks early and we nearly lost our son Mahy.”

This year he feels like he is fighting for his whole family.

'Our little Mahy only weighed a block of butter when he was born. He is a true battler, so I thought this year I would fight for him.”

The Te Puke resident is again committing to a gruelling 12 week boxing and fitness training programme to prepare.

'I was desperate to fight last year. This is about unfinished business for me. My wife Nikki still has her dress from last year.”

Al and 19 other fighters representing local businesses and organisations are training five days a week in preparation for their bouts.

TKO Boxing trainer Hemi Niha can already see a determined and dedicated focus among the competitors and says their base fitness has been great.

'It's great Al's back, he's really had to work hard on his pace, and he can't just rely on the big knockout. All of the competitors have been focusing on quality quick punching and defensive boxing,” says Hemi.

Unlike other charity boxing fundraisers, every dollar raised from the DARE to Fight for Youth Event will go towards empowering young people in the Bay of Plenty through the Te Aranui Youth Trust.

The trust works in close partnership with the New Zealand Police, delivering programmes aimed at reducing offending and creating safer communities within the Western Bay of Plenty.

Through the delivery of the DARE, Blue Light and Police Youth Development programmes, the trust provides a social service ensuring local youth become positive, steadfast, well-adjusted members of the community.

Te Aranui Youth Trust operations manager Wendy Nicholls applauds the boxers for being so committed and helping to raise urgent funds for several great causes.

'The money raised will guide youngsters down the right path and will encourage them to make right decisions, be it on the on the road or generally in our community,” says Wendy.

'The fighters and their employers have been very generous with their time.”

Tickets can still be purchased for the event here or contact Wendy on 027 562 8972 and [email protected]