Professional boxing is returning to Winchester for the first time in more than 30 years.

Some of the area’s brightest talents will be on display as a big time fight night comes to the city’s Guildhall on Saturday, June 8.

Tony Hill is set to headline the show as he steps up in weight in the pursuit of titles, while other well supported local lads such as Matty Tew, Joe Pigford, Darryl Still, Alex Dilmaghani and debutante Wade Armour will also be on the card.

The venue is a compact destination for professional boxing with around 650 seats, but trainer Wayne Batten is hoping it will extend the reach of the interest in the pro fight game a little further.

He said: “I’m really excited we have all these fighters boxing in Winchester.

“The shows in Southampton have been well supported but it is good to try different areas as well and quite a lot of people have said they would like to see a show in Winchester.

“The Guildhall is a marvellous venue. It’s like a mini York Hall, which is one of the country’s best boxing venues.

“There is a lot of interest already so we are hoping that the local fight fans will get out and support the lads.”

Hill will top the bill as he makes his first foray into the world of super middleweight.

The highly decorated amateur has already made a name for himself in the pro game having fought for the Commonwealth middleweight title and now starts a new chapter in his career.

“I’m hopeful of getting Tony an eight rounder to really get him on the map as a super middleweight,” said Batten.

“It’s a big decision for him but it’s one he really wants, he feels really strong and really comfortable at the weight and it’s an interesting division where doors could open up.”

The fight will be a first return to action for Tew since he was stopped in the defence of his International Masters title.

“Matty is still confident,” reflected Batten. “I still believe we can get him a Southern Area title shot quite soon and if we can do that it will be good achievement.”

Perhaps the biggest buzz at the moment surrounds Pigford.

The 19-year-old welterweight has so far blasted out his first two opponents inside the distance and is looking a genuinely exciting prospect.

Tickets for the show have now gone on sale and are available from 07980 688612.