WEYMOUTH Boxing Club is a contender to stage the country's top amateur international event.

The Hardwick Street gym outfit is one of two clubs short-listed to host an England versus United States of America senior tournament in November.

But boxing clever in a rival corner is Liverpool who are believed to be the firm favourites, through experience, to land the prestigious event.

However, in an audacious move to help sway the decision, club chairman David Nelmes wrote to American professional matchmaking master and promoter Don King for financial help in paying for the air fares of the US team.

Mr Nelmes said: "The club feels it is a real honour just to be considered for the event. We are very proud that the ABA put us in the frame for this one.

"However, I must say that Liverpool seems to be the main contender as their council employs a chap called Paul King whose job is to win big shows like this one. And they have a lot of experience of hosting European boxing tournaments."

The American boxing squad, who are due to arrive in England next month, have been asked to take part in two tournaments with one of them being held in London's Hilton Hotel.

The other is still up for grabs.

Mr Nelmes added: "Even if we don't get this one the ABA has promised us a full international in 2003 and we are seeking sponsors to enable us to stage it. I wrote to Don King Productions to apply for funding through one of his charitable schemes but they turned us down 'this time' due to a 'change in focus in our Corporate Givings Programme.'"

The club's reputation within England amateur boxing circles has rocketed after it successfully held and under-17 England v Ireland international at the Pavilion last year.

Mr Nelmes said: "Jim Smart (president of the ABA) was extremely impressed with the way we organised and staged the event and told us so. He said it was first class from start to finish.

"We certainly have the capability of staging a top event. We have the structure in place to organise and

run one and there is a

big local appetite for watching top notch amateur boxing."

Meanwhile, the club will stage its annual amateur boxing tournament at Weymouth Pavilion on November 16.

The Weymouth boxers will be wearing new light blue vests and maroon shorts courtesy of Weatherbury Roofing which has supplied the club with ten kits.

Tickets for the tournament are on sale now and can be secured by telephoning David Nelmes on (01305) 812748, mobile 07899-925316.

Any company, club or organisation that would like to help Mr Nelmes with sponsorship for next year's full international should telephone him as soon as possible.