THE first boxing match to take place in an English casino will be held at the Grosvenor on Derry's Cross.

Casino bosses said they were delighted to hold eight bouts at the venue on Thursday June 25 – a first for a casino in England, they said.

The Grosvenor chain has held matches in casinos in Wales but this debut in Plymouth, they said, should attract lots of boxing fans.

Former Commonwealth boxing champion Nicky Piper is scheduled to host the night. Nicky was crowned Heavyweight Champion in 1989, awarded an MBE for his services to sport in 2006 and currently holds the world record for the fastest knock-out of 12 seconds, which included the count.

Two casino players and a member of staff will take part in some of the bouts at the event on June 25. They are being trained by local boxing clubs for the big event.

Mayflower Amateur Boxing Club will also be providing boxers for some of the bouts.

Casino bosses hope to raise £3,000 for the Mayflower Amateur Boxing Club.

General manager for the Grosvenor Casino Plymouth, Jay Pillai, said: "What started out as some harmless banter over the gaming tables between friends has become a reality to raise money for a very worthwhile cause.

"This is the first time a boxing match has taken place within an English casino and we are looking forward to bringing some of the excitement and thrill of Las Vegas to Plymouth."

The event starts at 8pm and tickets cost £10 each, to go to the boxing club. There will be a total of 200 tickets available, which will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis – with 50 VIP tickets with guaranteed seats.

Tickets can be purchased from Mr Bacon on 01752 668922 or 07854 526948.