BOXERS from Canada were given a warm Inverclyde welcome as they took on home-grown talent in front of more than 400 people.

Rising stars from St Catharines in Ontario went up against the cream of the crop from Greenock Boxing Club at a packed at Lady Octavia Sports Centre at the weekend.

The visitors spent nearly a week in Inverclyde ahead of the Saturday afternoon showdown and the red carpet was rolled out to ensure they had a memorable time.

The Canadian team will return the favour when fighters and coaches from Greenock BC travel to Ontario in July.

More than 400 spectators, including Commonwealth Games gold medallist Charlie Flynn, crammed into Lady Octavia for the showpiece event to watch 14 bouts of top-quality boxing.

Among the many stars of the show was Port Glasgow schoolboy Niall Jamieson, who won his fight and was also crowned 'best home boxer'.

Head coach Danny Lee jnr said: "The boys from our club worked hard for it and they were really good, as were boxers we had there from other parts of Scotland and the Canadian team as well.

"There were nearly 400 people there, it was mobbed.

"The show was a big success."

The Canadian team arrived in Greenock on Thursday and stayed until Tuesday, with support from Inverclyde Council, Inverclyde Leisure and a host of local businesses, parents and volunteers.

They were given a tour of the Municipal Buildings and met Provost Martin Brennan, who presented them with a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

IL laid on Lady Octavia for the boxing and gave the Canadian team free entry to local leisure facilities during their stay.

The fighters and coaches were also treated to dinner at 134 Steak House in Cathcart Street courtesy of chef Thomas Compston, ScotRail provided complimentary rail travel for visits to Glasgow and Edinburgh Castle, and students from West College Scotland in Greenock filmed the action.

Coach Danny said: "The last time we went over there, they had us at Niagara Falls, theme parks and the CN Tower. "That was about eight or ten years ago and our boys still talk about it.

"We wanted to give the Canadian team an experience they will never forget."