A former Norwich City player will be in the boxing ring today after losing a Twitter challenge to Grant Holt.

Holt was challenged by Paul McVeigh to reach 22,000 followers on the social networking site, but on the condition that if he succeeded, the club's former attacker would face retired boxer Jackson Williams in the ring for one round.

The City striker, who closed his Twitter account in the summer but recently reopened it, now has almost 28,000 followers.

Announcing he had won the challenge, Holt tweeted: 'Thank you people, cannot wait, thanks for all your help everyone who has followed me and helped.'

So, at 3pm today, McVeigh, who is now a sports presenter on TV and radio, will take part in the fundraising fight.

The bout against Williams will be hosted at Tower Fitness, a gym on Surrey Street, in Norwich.

The fight will be raising money for Children in Need, the charity which supports disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

McVeigh said he has done little training for the fight as he says he knows he will get 'thrashed and battered'.

He said: 'I think I've got myself in over my head; Jackson Williams will decide my fate.'

He added: 'I've never thrown a punch in aggression before.'

McVeigh said the challenge, which will be refereed by fellow Canaries favourite Darren Huckerby, came about during his radio show with Rob Butler.

The group decided it would be a good way to raise money for the BBC's charity, whilst taking on a challenge.

To follow conversations about the challenge, use the hashtag #knockmaccaout on Twitter, and to donate visit www.justgiving.com/Maccafightingjacko

rosa.mcmahon@archant.co.uk