INTERNATIONAL boxing stars past and present have pledged their support for a tournament tonight which will give talented teenagers a chance to shine.
A 600-seat arena at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, County Durham, is the venue for a new-look championship fight night backed by the Amateur Boxing Association and hosted by the Durham County Association of Clubs for Young People.
About 50 young boxers from clubs in County Durham, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and Teesside have entered the tournament, whose previous stars include two of the region's most successful fighters.
Billy Hardy, a Hylton Castle Town End Farm Boys' Club boxer, was European Featherweight Champion and a world title contender, while earlier this year David Dolan, from Sunderland's Plain Farm Boys' Club, won a superheavyweight gold medal in the Commonwealth Games.
On tonight's bill is teenage star Bradley Saunders, from Bishop Middleham, County Durham, a national champion who will be boxing for England against Ireland next month.
Alan Watson, a retired police sergeant and the association's regional field officer, said: "The county association has produced national champions every year and there'll be some real talent on show."
The championships open at 6pm and tickets cost £5, concessions £2.50, at the door. Contact the association office, on 0191-383 1894, or Mr Watson, on 07788 583013.
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