PROMOTER Steve Bendall stressed his aim to help build the records of the next generation of professional boxers around the area.

The Parkstone-based former World Boxing Union middleweight champion is set to put on a show at the O2 Academy on Saturday evening.

The event comes a week before Commonwealth and European Champion Chris Billam-Smith defends his belts against Isaac Chamberlain in front of the Sky Sports cameras at the BIC, on July 30.

But with the likes of Billam-Smith and Lee Cutler previously topping the bills on Bendall’s shows, he is hoping to see people get behind other fighters.

He told the Daily Echo: “We have to build kids’ records the same way as we built Lee Cutler’s. Chris Billam-Smith started on my shows, don’t forget.

“We are trying to build kids into these bigger spots. Lee had nine of his first 10 pro fights on my shows.

“You have to build their records to put them in with the potential to get these shots. You need that support from the public.”

Caleb Johnson is set to top the bill this weekend, with Gemma Ruegg also in action. Jack Simpson is also hoping to fight, despite his original opponent pulling out.