Professional boxing in Dublin faces an acid test at the National Stadium in Dublin tonight when Shea Neary, the man described as the most exciting boxer in Britain, returns to the land of his forebears to defend his World Boxing Union light welterweight title against Mike Griffith from Ohio in the United States.

Boxing supporters will also have the attraction of earlier appearances from home-based boxers Michael Carruth, Jim Rock, Willie Valentine and John O'Brien. In all, some 10 bouts will be on the bill starting at 6.15 with the Carruth fight timed for 7.15.

One of the main supporting bouts, however, is in some doubt as the Algerian Mohammad Ouzid, due to meet Johnny Armnour from England, was well over the weight and was later seen trying to burn off the extra poundage. Meanwhile, Irish boxing is being asked to make a contribution to help support the victims of the war in the Balkans, particularly in Kosovo. A special 12-bout boxing bill has been organised for the National Stadium on Friday, June 25th.