Shrewsbury Amateur Boxing Club started the petition in a bid to find the club a new home following the fire last month which caused £15,000 damage.

The club expects to hear from Shropshire Council by the end of the week.

The online petition, Save Shrewsbury Amateur Boxing Club, has been signed by a number of big names such as Shropshire’s former boxing world champion Richie Woodhall and Frank Maloney, Lennox Lewis’ former promoter.

Graham Robb, who runs the club at the John Davies Boxing Club, said he had been ‘completely overwhelmed’ by the public support since the fire on September 16.

He said: “When we got to 500 signatures we thought that was enough and we handed it in to Shropshire Council and expect to hear from them before the end of the week.

“I have been completely overwhelmed by the response from the public, many of who have had nothing to do with the club or boxing before but realise the role we play in the community and I want to thank them for their help.”

Mr Robb said a survey being carried out by the Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents Association was on sale, with £1 from each going to the club, while a website had been set up at www.sabcfund.webs.com

“The community has really pulled together to help us out and we appreciate it and hope for good news from the council.”

More than 250 young boxers use the club, which has produced a string of boxing champions since it was set up 52 years ago.

Mr Robb added that he had met with building inspectors who confirmed no structural damage had been caused but there was severe smoke and fire damage.

Detectives from West Mercia Police said the fire was believed to have been started by arsonists. Officers are scouring hours of CCTV footage to try to trace the offenders.