Leonis head coach excited by prospect of inter-island bouts

MIGUEL FEREIRA hopes that tomorrow night's three 'Muratti' contests can spark the start of a strong relationship between the two islands.

Relations had been frosty between the two islands in boxing for a number of years, but with Jersey Leonis Club coach Fereira keen to work closely with the Guernsey Amalgamated Boys' Club, things are changing. For the big 'Fight Night at the ICG', the trio of Gary Brentley, Tom Frame and Shane Goggin will represent the Caesareans.

'What happened in the past saw the people involved in both clubs bringing out the worst of each other, so it would never have worked for that reason,' he said. 'It was always a great shame because of the close proximity of the two clubs, but hopefully now, this can be the start of something quite regular.'

Alex Burnett is the fourth Jerseyman travelling, as he takes on Robert Dark from Bristol in the fifth of 14 scheduled bouts, which see a Guernsey pugilist in action in each one. One of the bouts of the night will arguably be Frame's contest against big-hitting home favourite, Alderney's 18-year-old Billy Le Poullain, which is the penultimate fight.

The remainder of the fighters are coming from all over the UK, with James Woolnough's bout with Mike Freeman from Bristol topping the bill. The venue opens at 6.45 and tickets will be available on the door.