By Andrew Gidley

Lordswood FC could stage professional boxing this summer with local heavyweight Tom Dallas on the bill.

The club's manager, Jason Lillis, had the idea after Dallas (pictured) expressed an interest in fighting at Martin Grove.

"Tom and I got talking and he said he would love to fight at Lordswood," said Lillis.

"He has got a good following and we could get between 1,500 and 2,000 there.

"The ring would be under a canopy in the centre of the pitch which will be fully protected."

The venture, planned for Saturday, July 3, will help fund next season’s football operation as Lillis and assistant manager John Guest prepare for their first full season in charge.

They hope to revive Lordswood’s fortunes after finishing seven points adrift at the bottom of the Bulmers Cider Kent League Premier Division.

Dallas’s trainer Andy Kidd welcomed the idea. He said: "It would be great for boxing in the area. We would also get a good crowd.

"As amateurs, we’ve done outdoor boxing before and the atmosphere is a lot more relaxed. It would be good for Tom to fight in his home town and it’s certainly something to think about."