Lawyers from Birmingham are taking to the boxing ring again after it was revealed that the No5 Chambers’ Ralph Lewis QC Memorial Cup will be up for grabs again in 2012.

Professional services executives from the city took each other on in boxing matches last year, resulting in more than £25,000 being raised for Marie Curie Cancer Care’s Big Build appeal.

The announcement about the return was made at a cheque presentation when Tony McDaid, No5 Chambers’ practice director climbed into the ring at the Fighting Fit City Gym in Lionel Street to hand over the cheque.

The appeal aims to raise £7 million to build a new Marie Curie Hospice in the West Midlands – to provide care in the hospice itself and for people across the region who want to remain in their own homes.

The exciting nine-bout event, to be held at the Aston Villa Banqueting Centre on July 6, will be compered again by respected TV sports’ commentator and presenter, Gary Newbon.

“We have had barristers, clients and solicitors beating a path to our doors since the start of this year looking to fight in the 2012 Ralph Lewis QC Memorial Cup,” Mr McDaid said.

“Many have already thrown their hats into the ring to join the boxing boot camp and train in the noble art under the watchful eye of the Fighting City Gym which has strict procedures in place to provide a controlled and managed environment for the fighters.

“The inaugural event in July last year was a sell-out, with over 300 fans enjoying the black tie event.

“This year we have moved the event to Villa Park’s Banqueting Centre which can cater for up to 500 and I expect an evening of thrills and spills.”

Chris Rawstron from Marie Curie added: “I followed the event in 2011 and was impressed by the quality of the bouts, the commitment of the fighters who trained hard for the contest and the size of this purse - £25,000 – which will be go towards the Marie Curie Big Build appeal for development of a new West Midlands’ hospice.

“I should like to acknowledge the efforts of all who trained and fought last year and also thank those who sponsored the fighters and the event and No5 Chambers for agreeing to do it all again this year.

“This cheque presentation is the only time I shall be stepping into the ring as I hung my gloves up a long time ago, but I wish all the boxers the very best with their training and I thank them for their commitment and courage and the team at the gym for looking after the splendid contenders.”

Anyone interested in joining the boxers can contact marketing@no5.com or phone 0845 210 5555.