A boxing team from the New York Police Department will head to Bermuda for the first time to compete in the Police Boxing Section's annual International Black Tie event.

The event is gearing up to be a knockout night with the card featuring an array of experienced and novice fighters such as Renegades rugby star Tom Healy, MR Onions footballer Mark Dunlop and hairdresser Joshua Smith.

Amateur boxers from Bermuda's three boxing gyms - Police Gym, Controversy Gym and Rego's Gym - make up Bermuda's team who will take on the overseas opposition at Fairmont Southampton Hotel on Saturday, October 27.

Heavyweight Smith (8-2) faces seasoned fighter Will Hamilton from the NYPD in the showcase bout of the evening, with organisers also looking to stage matches for fighters from the Worcester Police Department, Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts State Police.

Other bouts will see super heavyweight Reese Simpson (1-3) trade blows with NYPD'S Dan Burke, middleweight Daniel Burgess (1-1) go toe-to-toe with fellow newcomer Abe Ahmed, also of the touring team.

Women's light heavyweight Robyn Swan will get into the ring with New York bobbie Kelly Graham, while local match-ups will see Vanessa Furbert get her first taste of boxing against Avita O'Connor who has one fight under her belt.

In the men's heavyweight division, Police rookie Juan Looby meets constable Michael Harkin as they both make their first foray in the boxing ring.

Craig Morfitt, chairman of the Police Boxing Section, said at least ten bouts will feature, with the search still on to find American opposition for other local boxers.

"We're trying to get matches for some of our local boxers including bantamweight Ryan Lampano, middleweight's Tim Healy and Lamark Ingram and heavyweight Mark Dunlop.

"It's the first time we've had the New York Police Department as our primary opposition and we're also hoping for boxers from the Worcester Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police.

"We're also looking to sort out some potential entertainment for the evening so once the boxing is over people don't feel the need to dash off. It's an open event and everyone is invited and hopefully people will come and support it."

Tickets for the formal black tie event cost $60 and are available from the English Sports Shop, Cecile's and Boutique CC on Front Street.