LEADING British light-middleweight title contender Thomas McDonagh will headline the first professional boxing show to be staged in Leigh for more than 60 years.
The former WBU champion will face Doncaster’s former central title holder Jason Rushton (18-5) in six rounder at the Indoor Sports Centre on Sunday October 12.
Promoter Steve Wood believes the slick Mancunian will follow in the footsteps of VIP stable-mate Jamie Moore and capture the British title.
Woods plans to ask the British Boxing Board of Control to make McDonagh (31-1-3), mandatory contender for Ryan Rhodes title.
He said: “McDonagh’s only loss was a controversial one to Wayne Alexander so hopefully the Board will put his name forward.
“He is still only 27 and I believe his best years are still in front of him.”
The last professional show in Leigh was staged on July 27 1948 when Wigan’s Peter Gaskell outpointed Ashton-under-Lyne’s Charlie Noble at the co-op Hall.
And with VIP prospects Martin Murray, Brian Rose, Mike Robinson, John Kays, Carl Dilks and Karl Place also in action the show promises to deliver an afternoon of top class action
Tickets are £30 and £50. They can be purchased from http://www.vipbe.co.uk or 0161 834 7185
All fighters are available for interview.