A BOXING promoter whose family helped put Oldbury on the sporting map has been appointed European, Middle East and African representative of the World Boxing Foundation.

Marcus Anderson-Hitchen will be organising world title bouts and criss-crossing the globe improving the the brand of the WBF as a sanctioning body to rival the World Boxing Council.

Mr Anderson-Hitchen's grandfather was renowned Oldbury boxer, trainer and manager Lesley Anderson and his uncle was Kenny Cooper who fought for England in the Commonwealth Games and celebrated for his victory over Ken Buchannan in the ABA championships.

Mr Anderson-Hitchen, a 43-year-old boxing promoter and businessman, said: "To be working for the World Boxing Foundation is a great honour and the next few years promise to be spectacular.

"We have got some great world champions and I'm already in the middle of organising a big night of boxing in Dubai in April which will include boxers from the West Midlands as well as around the world."

He added: "There is too much politics and upheaval behind the scenes now in British boxing so I wanted to explore opportunities abroad."

The former Warley High School pupil added: " On March 29 Troy James will be fighting for a WBF title at The Institute in Birmingham in a great night of boxing which should signal the start of another memorable career."

The Australian based WBF organisation is planning to increase its importance in the boxing world through fighting corruption.

WBF President Mick Croucher said: "We are delighted to have Marcus on board as he has shown both inside and outside boxing a great knack for spotting the next thing and improving a brand's image.

"These are exciting times for boxing and the WBF and we are looking forward to making the sport even more popular."

Mr Anderson-Hitchen is also helping create the British Boxing Hall of Fame which will be based in Birmingham.

To celebrate the hall of fame being launched a week long Festival of Boxing starts on August 26 at the International Convention Centre and stars from British and world boxing will be attending the event.

Mr Anderson-Hitchen's next promotion is Bite Back at the Institute in Birmingham which will see Ashley Sexton, Chris Keane, Keiran Gray, Andy Keates in the ring.