Former world champion Johnny Armour is set to promote his first boxing show later this month.

Armour Plated Promotions will give many boxers a first taste of competitive action this Friday (October 22) when they take to the ring at the Lordswood Leisure Centre.

Chatham boxer Armour was a world champion at bantamweight 20 years ago but has been passing on his knowledge to help others get a taste of winning in the ring.

He opened his gym in Chatham just before the Covid pandemic hit, which has meant a difficult first few years. The venue in Second Avenue needed plenty of work but was certainly an upgrade from his last training venue which was a shed in his own back garden.

Next Friday’s promotion will be a big milestone for the former professional boxer, who admits being a trainer is certainly easier than being in that ring.

He said: “We have got a lot of raw, very inexperienced boxers but they just want to have a go. They’ve never had this chance before.

“I remember when I was boxing I would look at the trainers and think I would love to do that rather than being pushed to the limit and struggling with the weight. It’s nice to be able to sit back now that I am one of them.”

Armour might not miss the hard graft before a fight but admits there’s nothing quite like being successful in the ring.

He said: “You can’t beat that buzz. I always say to the people I train now, I push them and they might not want to do it but the harder you work before the fight the easier the actual fight.

“I often thought when I was boxing, why didn’t I do something easier like snooker or tennis! I used to have eight-week camps, morning runs, training in the afternoon, another run in the evening, but I would be so fit in the end and it’s all worth it when you get that arm held up with a win.”

Armour has always been keen to give something back and after his upcoming promotion they are also planning a charity boxing match after giving the opportunity of a free eight-week lesson in boxing to a handful of less fortunate people.

Sponsors who are making the show happen are All Floors Trade Centre, Prestige Decor8 and Vistavis Contract Carpet & Flooring Specialists.

His gym is bursting with boxers throughout the week and among those helping to kit it out was Paul Stone from the Casino Rooms nightclub in Rochester.

“These kids from the community are the ones who benefit,” Armour said. “I get so many positive comments from parents, we’re like one big family here and we’re helping those that train with their confidence.”

Among those expecting to be on the bill are Steve Marno, Charlie Young, Harry Armour, Dringa Iosif, Charlie Lloyd, Jay Ray, Danny Dallas, Jack Chalmers, Ash Harris. Ollie Millen, Billy-Dean Adams and Kay Jimenes.

Tickets are £30 standing, £45 ringside or £55 for the VIP treatment with food. Contact Armour Plated on social media for tickets.