INVERNESS appears to have become the centre of heavyweight boxing in Britain of late, judging by the number of the sport's big men who have descended on the Highland capital.

Local Gary Cornish, the undefeated 6ft 7ins fighter with ambitions of becoming an international figure, has been joined by the likes of Londoner Larry Olubamiwo and Doncaster's Dave Allen.

Cornish's manager, Tommy Gilmour, persuaded the pair to assist the 28-year-old in his quest to land the vacant IBO International title

Usually Cornish has to travel in search of quality sparring partners but now the boxing world is coming to the giant Highlander's backyard.

Cornish, who will undertake the biggest fight of his career so far on Saturday night when he challenges the Hungarian Zoltan Csala at the Bellahouston Leisure Centre in Glasgow, has been glad of the chance to enjoy some home comforts, according to Gilmour.

He said: "In the past Gary has always had to travel to get quality sparring with the likes of Kubrat Pulev, who fought for the world title.

"However, with the help of local sponsors, we have managed to bring sparring partners to Inverness for a week at a time, guys such as Olubamiwo, who Gary defeated, and Allen, who is similar to Csala in size and physique.

"Allen has been ideal because he comes out swinging and banging in the same way we expect Csala to try to do.

"Gary has also enjoyed being able to sleep in his own bed and have home cooking instead of life on the road. It has also meant he has been able to follow the sort of training programme favoured by him and his coach.

"Things like that are important because this is a huge fight for Gary. Does the journey continue or come to an end, that will be case in all of his fights from now on.

"It's also great having Kellie Maloney on board as an advisor. She is able to open doors through her network of contacts in the States and has brought added attention to the show.

"Fox News in America are covering the fight and the BBC also plan to make a recording, and that will get Gary noticed by a much wider audience."

Tickets for the show, priced £40 unreserved arena and £60 reserved ringside, are available from all boxers as well as by telephoning 0141 810 5700.