FOR those interested in taking up boxing more seriously, there are many amateur clubs in and around Southampton.

Jon Lambert's Northside Club meets every Tuesday and Friday from 5pm to 6.30pm at Cantell School, with between 30 and 40 children taking part every week.

The Freemantle-based Golden Ring Club has produced a string of national champions in recent years and remains very busy.

"It is very hectic at the moment and we need a new gym desperately," said head coach Stuart Gill.

"For us, it is about giving kids something to do and stopping them hanging around street corners.

"We have had people from the young offenders' organisation and they have never got into any more trouble once they started boxing."

Sholing-based Southampton ABC meets five nights a week. Head coach Terry Tew said: "We have got a lot of young kids. We have always got loads training, although not necessarily for competition.

"Everyone is welcome from all ages from ten upwards and all levels. We have anything between 100 and 200 people using the gym every week."

Eastleigh ABC is currently based at Wyvern School in Fair Oak and is waiting to move into new premises next year.

"We have had an influx of new people and have had to turn some away. We can't wait to get into our new place," said head coach Dean Bailey.

"The club is looking good for the future."

Lymington's Lawrence Club in Marsh Lane was one of the founder members of the Southern Counties when it was formed in 1928 and is still going strong.

They have between 100 and 200 people coming every week from Bournemouth and Southampton and recently hosted a night of boxing against a club from Gilbraltar with former flyweight world champion Charlie Magri the guest of honour.

There is also the Waterside Club based at the Waterside Sports and Social club in Holbury, which has produced the likes of national champion Jimmy Dean in the past year.