YUSUF Abdallah took time out of his studies to become a doctor and retained his British University Championships title last month.

The South Wye Police Boxing Academy star weighting in at 69 kilogrammes travelled to Staffordshire University to become champion winning gold. Abdallah has previously trained with the Danish boxing team and out to Sweden last November to win his bout in the King of the Ring Boxing Championships.

"We are very proud of Yusuf and his achievements," said the Hereford boxing club spokesman Vince McNally.

"He is now taking some time out of competitive boxing to concentrate on his exams to become a doctor, but will continue to train at the club with its ever increasing competitive boxing squad.

"Amateur boxing is booming at present, all of our boxers train and compete in the club and box at shows to raise money for local groups and charities."

On April 7, South Wye Police Boxing Academy are hosting a charity dinner show with their partners Hereford Sixth Form College.

The show will see guests treated to a three course dinner and entertainment by singer Natasha John, who has performed with Michael Ball. Between eight and 10 bouts of quality boxing from the club's squad members will take place, including three senior heavyweight bouts.

All boxers will be aiming to win the Hereford Times cup for best boxer of the night. All money raised will be used to buy outdoor equipment for Saint Davids Pupil Referral Unit. "South Wye Police Boxing Academy is a community boxing club and we are very lucky with our Olympic designed facilities and even more so with our boxers and coaches, added McNally.

"There is a real family atmosphere at the club and that atmosphere is something that makes the club special, everybody helps each other, something that is drummed into boxers at all levels. We look forward to seeing our guests on the night."