An established boxing club are hoping to produce some amateur champions after becoming affiliated with the sport’s governing body, England Boxing.

Invicta Boxing Academy have been established since 1982 and for the past three years have been located at Queenborough, inside the FiiT Box Centre.

The new affiliation has given the club plenty of scope to expand, welcoming complete beginners, fitness-only boxers and those who want to pursue the sport as a career. All bases are now covered.

Head coach Sam Latham - who has been coaching at the club for around 20 years - said: “This gives more opportunity to the people in the community around us to get involved.

“It’s about bringing the club on and making it bigger.”

The club had to undergo inspections by England Boxing while the coaches had to complete various courses and a defibrillator was also purchased. The academy are now running a couple of junior classes, from ages 10-15, and a ladies-only class.

Professional boxers, such as Martin Hillman, will also continue to use the facility.

“Newcomers, from total beginners to anyone who wants to pursue a career in boxing, are welcome,” Latham added.