World stars in town for navy show

World champs Richie Woodhall, John Conteh and Terry Marsh are coming to town on Friday.

They will be in attendance for the anticipated return of the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Ex-Boxer Association’s dinner show.

After an absence of five years, the event is back at the Pyramids as the navy takes on a Southern Counties squad.

Around 10 bouts are earmarked to take place in the match which is certain to serve up an exciting night of contests.

And the evening will be afforded extra gravitas by the presence of some of the sport’s greats.

Conteh and Marsh have already confirmed their attendance.

But Woodhall has now been added to the list once again, after it appeared television commitments would force him to pull out.

Former WBC light-heavyweight champ Conteh will travel down from Liverpool to attend.

Conteh stormed to world glory in 1974 after winning British, Commonwealth and European crowns.

Marsh retired undefeated in 1987 after picking up the IBF light-welterweight title.

Woodhall claimed world success in 1998 when he won the WBC super-middleweight title – before making three successful defences.

Association event organiser Alan Dolman explained the top boxer of the night will receive the Tony Oxley Trophy – in memory of the Commonwealth Games boxer and Royal Navy boxing coach, who died last year.

And there will be a charity auction including lots signed by the likes of Sugar Ray Leonard, Lewis Hamilton, Diego Costa, Alexis Sanchez and Tiger Woods.

Dolman said: It’s going to be a super evening. To have people like Richie, John and Terry coming down is brilliant. They’ve all been big supporters. There will be a few memories shared of Tony, too, I’m sure.’

There are still some tickets remaining for Friday’s show, with around 350 diners expected. Tickets are priced £45 each, which includes dinner and entertainment.

For more details contact Dolman on (023) 9248 3388.

– JORDAN CROSS