MORE than 300 people turned out at Selhurst Park last week to see England's aspiring Olympic boxing hopefuls overcome their counterparts from Ireland.

Hosted by Crystal Palace FC in partnership with the Amateur Boxing Association of England, the contest was the first of its kind to be held in Palace’s marquee on the pitch.

The black tie event saw seven bouts of high-quality boxing from two talented teams and was hosted by compere and comedian Ian Irving.

England ran out 5-2 winners, with the evening proving such a success plans are already under way for next year's event.

ABAE chairman Keith Walters said: “I’d like to thank the organisers at Crystal Palace Football Club for a pulling out all of the stops to host such a brilliant, well attended evening.

“Their marquee on the pitch was a first class venue for amateur boxing, and the boxing itself was exceptional.

“This was the first time that the club has hosted international boxing, but I hope that it marks the beginning of a long partnership with the ABAE and I'm already looking forward to next year's event.”

Eagles chief executive Phil Alexander said: “We were delighted to work with the ABAE on such a great event and the feedback from attendees has been excellent.

“I would like to thank Keith Walters, the chairman of the ABAE, for putting together such a strong England squad and matching them with tough opponents from Ireland.

“We are already looking forward to hosting another boxing event in 2012 when we will be celebrating ten years of marquee events on the pitch at Selhurst Park.”

All the proceeds from the evening’s event went to the CPFC Youth Academy.

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