A WORLD class boxing event with international pull will be held in Nelson Bay next month.
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Some of the world's best fighters from Indonesia, Thailand and across Australia will travel to the Port for Big Time Boxing Hits the Bay on August 8, hosted by the main attraction, Chad "Hollywood" Bennett.
"The reason I am bringing Big Time Boxing to the Bay is simple," Mr Bennett said.
"I love the place and the people and I always have.
"I [have] spent a lot of time up the Bay and I have lots of friends there, so I thought it would be great to bring [boxing] to the area, which will not only give them a good time, but bring lots of people from Newcastle and Sydney to support the event, which in turn will help the local business and create interest in the area.
"I am very confident the people of Bay and surrounding areas will come out and support this event as we plan to come back and do it bigger and better early in the new year, should the interest be there."
At Wests Nelson Bay Diggers on August 8, Mr Bennett, a born and bred Novocastrian and a two-time World Boxing Foundation champion will defend his World Boxing Organisation belt against former world-rated Indonesian "tough man" Stevi Ongen Ferdinandus.
A win against Mr Ferdinandus will give Mr Bennett a shot at the world title. He will also go for the vacant Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council belt.
The main support bout will feature Coffs Harbour cruiser weight Daniel Baff, who looks to defend his Pan Asian Boxing Association title against Thai boxer Kongrit Nanakorn.
"We also have two other exciting pro bouts on the cards," Mr Bennett said.
"Plus some local amateur match-ups between local Bay boys taking on the Newcastle boys.
"One of the local Bay boys is Joel Pettit, who will be competing in his first ever bout."
Doors to Big Time Boxing Hits the Bay open at 6.30pm.
Tickets cost $45 each, available from Wests Nelson Bay Diggers.