A WORLD kick boxing champion from the North-East is to face a Russian contender in front of thousands, it was confirmed yesterday.

Craig Richardson, 15, from Lanchester, County Durham, will face his rival on his home turf at Consett Bell Vue Leisure Centre on October 14.

If he wins, Craig will have won all three world titles.

Now the race is on for Craig's trainer and event organiser, Goff Bates, to raise the £16,000 to stage the show, which is already receiving international attention.

"This is going to be a very big night and people are calling us the Las Vegas of County Durham," said Mr Bates, who trains Craig and several other kick boxers at a gym in Annfield Plain.

"We are still raising the money but have already received international attention, and the night will be televised.

"In all, we will have two world title fights, two Commonwealth fights and two northern area bouts all involving lads from our club. This is going to be the biggest kick boxing event ever held in this country outside London."

The match will be the first time Craig's competitor has left Russia. Last month, Craig beat Italian Manuel Russo in a bout held at Stanley.

Staff at the Asda store, in Stanley, helped Craig yesterday by organising a trolley run for him to raise money to stage the event.

If anyone else would like to sponsor the event, they should call (01207) 280427.