RAW talent spilled into the ring as Southampton teenagers donned mitts and enjoyed tuition from professional boxers.

The youngsters from Swaythling were coached by the likes of Tony Cesay, Sierra Leone Commonwealth Games champion, and Southampton-born Tony Hill at the launch of Southampton University's new boxing club.

The idea of the scheme - set up by university worker Becky Dance - is to narrow the gap between students and locals.

Counselling student Andre Fergus, 21, said: "I grew up on an estate. A lot of my friends back home are in and out of prison but I escaped that through sports like this.

"This gives the kids a chance and shows them it's possible to break away from bad influences."

Flowers Estate community worker Bob Light was equally positive about the scheme which is already strongly backed by parents.

"I think it's brilliant," said the 51-year-old, "Something this estate's never had."

Junior Olympic Champion Tony Hill, of Lordswood, said the important thing was sticking at it.

Dedication to the sport means quitting drugs and alcohol and becoming more disciplined he said.

"It's definitely been worth it for me," said Hill, following his defeat of American Johny Nelson in Wisconsin earlier this year.

"Just stick at it and give it 100 per cent," he added.

The Fitzhugh Pub sponsored Northside Boxing Club will open properly on Tuesday January 14 at 5pm in the Cantell Sports Centre.

Contact Becky Dance on 023 8059 7168 for more information.