A PROFESSIONAL boxer with a big name to live up to has set up a training camp in Weymouth to defend his Southern title.

Ross Minter, 26, Southern area champion and son of former world middleweight boxing champion, Alan, will be pounding the pebbles on the beach and sparring in Weymouth Amateur Boxing Club.

Ross is in training to defend his title against fellow welterweight Sammy Smith next month.

He was due to fight Northern champion Matthew Hatton for the English title but Hatton pulled out at the last minute.

Minter's camp now expects a title fight later in the year.

Hatton also claims famous

family ties as he is the younger brother of Ricky, the current IBF world light-welterweight champion.

Ross came to Weymouth from Crawley on the recommendation of Mark Ford who helps to train youngsters at the Hardwick Street gym.

Mark said: "Ross's fitness trainer Dave Richardson is an old Army pal of mine who rang me because he knew I helped out at a boxing club. He said Ross wanted to set up a training camp and I told him he wouldn't get much better facilities than here in Weymouth.

"They both came down to have a look and were eager to come.

"Ross is down here with boxing coach John Emmes who is currently training ten boxing champions."

Ross's training schedule will involve early morning runs on beaches, afternoon training at the New Look gym and evenings taking part in circuits, bag work and sparring with professional boxers at the Weymouth club.

Ross said: "It's a great set-up down here. Lottery grants have really helped and this club has more to offer than many other gyms that I have trained in.

"It's also good to see so many youngsters at the club. Parents think boxing is for violent people but it isn't, it's the opposite, It makes them focused, have an outlet and teaches them respect."

Ross added that although he will be concentrating on his training he hopes to pass on some tips.

He said: "I will give help to the kids and the other amateur

boxers and show them what they are doing wrong and help them where I can."

n Ross Minter was just a year old when his father Alan claimed the WBC and WBA middleweight titles when he beat Vito Antuofermo via a split decision in Las Vegas in 1980.

Six months later, after he had successfuly negiotated a re-match at Wembley, Minter senior lost his title to Marvin Hagler.

* Weymouth Amateur Boxing Club offically opens for the new season on September 6 and invites all existing and new youngsters to visit the Hardwick Street gym.

Training nights will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm-8pm.

The club will be holding its first dinner-boxing tournament at Weymouth Pavilion on November 26.

Tickets will be £27.50 for a four-course meal or £10 on the door without the meal.

For details and tickets telephone Mark Ford on 07799332729 or club chairman David Nelmes on 812748 or 07899925316.