IT’S one of the highlights of the Basingstoke calendar – and once again, it’s set to be a knockout night of great sport in support of good causes.

The International Boxing Tournament, organised by The Rotary Club of Basingstoke Deane, is always a well-attended and popular event – and with good reason.

Over the years, the event has helped to raise thousands of pounds for local good causes, and it has produced many memorable nights for those who enjoy an excellent sporting contest.

The Hampshire Court Hotel, in Chineham, will again be hosting the popular International Boxing evening which will take place on Friday, March 10.

England’s opponents on the night have still to be confirmed by England Boxing but whoever takes on today’s rising stars, past performances point to it being another competitive and entertaining evening.

Basingstoke Deane Rotary Club President Alan Gibson said: “The International Boxing Tournament is one of Basingstoke’s premier social events, and tables are already selling fast for the 2017 evening.

“The English boxers are all members of the national squad and some may go on to become Olympic and professional champions, so this is a great opportunity to see a potential gold medallist or world champion in the making.

“As well as being an evening of great sport, the event raises thousands of pounds for individuals and organisations that are supported by The Rotary Club of Basingstoke Deane.

“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.”

Mr Gibson thanked the teams at Southern Communications and Champion Group for their key sponsorship support. Southern Communications, who are based at Dummer, will be the lead sponsor for the third consecutive year, while Champion Group, headquartered in Roentgen Road, Basingstoke, have signed up as an event main sponsor for the second year in a row.

Ark Cancer Centre Charity, which is raising £5million towards the cost of a unique local Cancer Treatment Centre that will be built in the Basingstoke area, will be among the good causes to benefit from this year’s event.

Full tables of 10 are available from £900 and the evening includes a four-course meal. The large venue also allows for smaller group numbers to be catered for at a cost of £100-a-head.

As the event is taking place at the hotel, guests have the additional benefit of being able to stay overnight at a preferential room rate.

The black-tie evening starts from 6pm with a full reception bar with dinner being served soon after 7pm. The seven bouts – usually five male and two female contests – get underway around 9.15pm and the evening concludes just before midnight.

Enquiries about tables of tickets and smaller group ticket sales should be made to Paul Temple on tempaul45@gmail.com.