Professional boxing is coming to Maidstone for the first time in 16 years.

Promoter Joe Elfidh is putting on a show packed with Kent fighters at Maidstone Leisure Centre on Saturday, June 4.

Elfidh has previously used Medway Park in Gillingham but believes he’s found the perfect venue in the County Town and is targeting a 1,200 sell-out.

He said: “Maidstone’s a good area. I’ve been down to Mote Park and they’re keen on holding professional boxing there. October 2000 was the last professional show in Maidstone – that was at Mote Park as well – so it’s nice to bring it back.

“Medway Park are quite busy over the summer so we looked at Mote Park and, in my opinion, it’s a better venue. We can get more people in, too. At Medway Park I was lucky to get 900 in but we’re looking at 1,200 here.”

The ‘Mote Park Destruction’ bill is set to feature 11 Kent fighters, including Maidstone super-featherweight Chris Matthews in his fourth professional fight, while Chatham’s Grant Dennis tops the bill in an international title bout.

As well as Dennis and Matthews, the bill also includes Charlie Shane, Martin Hillman, Dave Jones, Oli Edwards, Louis Green, Mike Mills, Owen Stone, James Chiericato and Elvis Makoda.

Tickets to ‘Mote Park Destruction’ cost £35 seated or £55 at ringside. Doors open at 6pm, with the first fight at 8pm. Tickets are available via Ray Matthews on 07511 680092.