ONE of the oldest rivalries in sport will take centre stage to support good causes.

Some of the best young English boxers will take on their Welsh counterparts at the 2018 International Boxing Tournament organised by The Rotary Club of Basingstoke Deane.

Hosted at the Hampshire Court Hotel, Chineham, the popular will be on Friday, 9 March.

The annual tournament is one of the highlights of the Basingstoke sporting and business calendars, and it always delivers a great result for charity as thousands of pounds are raised for good causes.

Among the beneficiaries this year is the Ark Cancer Centre Charity which is raising £5million towards the cost of a cancer treatment centre that will be built in the Basingstoke area.

Basingstoke Deane Rotary Club president Lindy Richardson said: “The International Boxing Tournament is one of Basingstoke’s premier social events, and tables are already selling fast for the 2018 evening.

“This is a big year for amateur boxing with World Championships and the Commonwealth Games on the horizon, so this is a great chance to see some of the finest young English and Welsh boxers in action.

“Whether it is an evening for corporate hospitality, a thank-you to staff, or just a fun evening with friends, this is always a great night out and an opportunity to support some very good causes.”

The event is always wellsupported by Basingstoke businesses, and the Rotary Club said it is again grateful to Southern Communications, Champion Group and Centerprise International who are leading the way as the main sponsors of this year’s event.

Full tables of 10 are available from £900 and the evening – which is expected to attract a 400-strong audience – includes a four-course meal.

The black-tie evening starts from 6pm with a full reception bar with dinner being served soon after 7pm.

The seven contests – six male bouts and one female bout – get underway around 9.15pm and the evening concludes just before midnight.

For more information or to book a table, email tempaul45@gmail.com.