OLLIE Willsher will be making a bit of boxing history on Saturday night when he makes his boxing debut, according to his coaches.

The 13-year-old Billericay & Wickford ABC fighter will be the first lad with type one diabetes to fight in amateur boxing, coach Les Cooke said.

The teenage pugislist is able to step into the ring at Berry Boys ABC’s show on Saturday after a change in boxing regulations let youngsters with type one diabetes compete for the first time.

“Ollie has never let his diabetes stop him with his sport,” said Cooke. “Over the last year he has discovered a love for boxing and refuses to let his diabetes stand in his way.

“Ollie now makes his own ring debut this Saturday at the Berry Boys show in a skills bout. This will be the first time a boxer has boxed under the new rules in the country with type one diabetes.”

Sport-loving Ollie, who also plays in goal for Hutton FC and rugby, was diagnosed with type one diabetes when he was nine.

His mum, Joanne, approached Billericay & Wickford about boxing a year ago and the club welcomed him along.

Amateur Boxing Association rules at the time prevented Ollie from competing so he trained and impressed coaches with his progress.

Recent rules changes brought in by the International Amateur Boxing Association brought British boxing regulations into line with those around the world and Olympic boxing.

One of the changes permitted boxers with type one diabetes, which is most commonly found in childhood and is treated with daily insulin injections, to fight competitively.

“Ollie moved up to our development squad and showed such promise that he was registered and put into the full competition group almost immediately,” added Cooke.

“I’m very proud of Ollie and also his team of trainers that have helped so far.”