Novice boxers are working hard in the gym in preparation for the next big Kent Charity Boxing show.

There’ll be more first-time fighters in action when Lordswood Leisure Centre plays host to the event on Sunday, October 1.

Lenny Beaton, a 16-year-old from Maidstone, is among those training hard at the Kent Gloves Boxing Gym in Gillingham.

It will be his second fight, just 12 weeks after starting out in the sport, and he’s keen to put what he’s learned into practice as he aims to improve on a drawn contest last time out.

Beaton said: “The trainers are preparing me well for my fight, making me sharp, and I’m looking forward to it.

“This will be my second fight coming up, the first one was good. I put up a good fight, was tired towards the third round but I kept my hands up and kept on giving it my all and moving around. I got a draw, sadly, but I am looking to come back bigger and stronger.

“The first fighter was more experienced and it was nerve-racking before the fight, but I was quite happy with how I performed. That was about six or seven weeks ago.

“I’d seen my pal Finn sign up, I went to watch a show and I thought it could be something to keep me out of trouble, keep me busy, to keep fit. I thought I’d give it a go and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

All training is free and no boxing background is necessary. You can sign up on facebook at the Kent Charity Boxing homepage.

The training team are made up of Darren Clayton, ex-professional Nick Seager, Mike Allen and Phil Osborne

Beaton, whose brother Nigel is also on the bill, said: “Darren teaches us discipline as well as how to box and my confidence has been built right up.

“Before the first fight, I was nervous but once I was in there, it was like I couldn’t hear anyone, I was just in the zone with me and my opponent. I am very confident for my next fight.”

Beaton is now even considering boxing as a potential career, saying: “At first it was something for me to keep me fit, keep me out of trouble, but after my first fight it was something I would definitely like to pursue, maybe into a career.

“I am enjoying it a lot. I like turning up to training, we have a laugh, a joke, we’re not just a team at the gym, we’re like a family and there are some fighting for the first time this time around, a fair few new people.

“I have dedicated myself to the boxing, trying to get there four days a week if I can around work, but I also train at home.

“We‘re always learning, there’s something new every week.”

Clayton is grateful for those who help the charity events take place.

He said: “Big thanks to the Kent Gloves Boxing gym for letting us use their facilities and to everyone at team TKO for always supporting us with all their fighters helping us raise money for charity.

“Thanks also to our sponsors KGM Fire & Security Distribution Ltd, Sheregill Real Estate and Every Thing Safety Ltd.”

Those on the bill for the next show, along with the Beaton brothers, are Paul Larrigan, Finlay Parker, Archie Dighton, Brad Marshall, Riley Albery, Reggy Atherton, Destiny Lee, Johnny Cash, John Lee, Lenny Smith, Dan Lee, Ryan Devine, Shaun King, Lenny Osborne and Harry Stone.

Doors open at 6pm with tickets from £30, available via the facebook site.