Teenager Finlay Parker is set for his first boxing match this weekend - just weeks after taking up the sport.

The 16-year-old from Maidstone is taking part in the latest event staged by Kent Charity Boxing (KCB) at the Lordswood Leisure Centre.

Coaches working for KCB offer their services for free if anyone wants to give it a go. Parker took the plunge eight weeks ago.

He said: “It’s my first fight, completely new to boxing. A couple of my friends have been doing it with Darren (Clayton) and his team and I thought one day, why not? It seemed like a good thing to do.

“Darren and the team are very good, I had no boxing background and I have already learned quite a lot in the few weeks I have been doing it.

“I have always liked watching it, Tyson Fury and all that, I had just done the one training sessions before but I was a bit younger then.”

Parker has thrown himself into it, running and training when he’s not at work, and attending Kent Gloves at Elm Court, Gillingham every weekend. Al Stevens from the TKO Gym is also assisting the boxers who are preparing for the latest show.

Novice Parker, who has just started a new job as a tree surgeon, isn’t too worried about stepping into the ring for the first time, with all of those fighting helping to raise money for charity.

“I am sure it will be alright,” he said. “Whatever happens, happens. I don’t know who I will be up against but as long as it is matched up fair it shouldn’t be a problem.

“I have quite enjoyed it, I have put my whole mind to it, it is like a new hobby to me now. It has benefited me 100%.

“I have trained really hard for it and I am 100% more disciplined now, since boxing, it has made big changes to me, made me a better person.

“Darren has been great, in the few weeks I have known him it has been like I have known him for years, Darren and Nick (Seager) are both great trainers. I hope to carry on this afterward with a couple more shows.

“My family are excited for the show and proud with what I am doing and it’s for charity. Hopefully, it makes a difference.”

Event organisers have thanked the sponsors, including Sheregill Accountancy, KGM Fire & Security Distribution Ltd and Every Thing Safety Ltd.

Tickets for Sunday’s event cost £30 standing, £40 VIP seated and £50 for table seating. Boxers young and old, male and female, will be in action, including Ryan McDonagh, Reggy Atherton, Kcee Beake, Lenny Osborne, Lenny Beaton, Archie Dighton, Luca Stone, Scott Towner, Harry Leighton, Tommy Forrest, Charlie Hudson, Alex Huff, Teddy London, Glenn Gowlett, Jenson Lee, Harry Montieth and Molly Meads.

*Training with KCB is free and they can be found on Facebook.