A CHAMPION boxer from Gwent is hoping his new venture will be a real knockout.

Welsh Amateur Boxing Federation champ in 1997, Patrick Killian has swapped his boxing gloves for the more delicate charms of the paintbrush.

But the 30-year-old from Westend, Aber-carn, who fought at light middleweight and previously welterweight, hasn't left his sport behind - in fact it's the focus and inspiration for his art work.

He said: "Boxing has always been a passion of mine. It's completely natural for me to use my talent for drawing and painting to illustrate what I love."

Patrick has already completed portraits of local sporting heroes Joe Calzaghe and Percy Montgomery and is currently working on a painting of rugby's man-of-the-moment, Gavin Henson.

He said: "I also have plans to contact local sports teams with a view to publishing a range of artwork focusing on local sports stars."

After graduating from Carmarthenshire College of Technology & Art with a distinction in illustration, Patrick found himself dividing his time between his passion for boxing and his love of painting.

But at the tender age of 23 he finally took the plunge and hung up his boxing gloves to devote himself to the other canvas in his life.

He said: "Although I had, and still do have, a great passion for boxing, I found the intense training and nature of the sport began to take its toll on my hands. Unfortunately, I reached a stage in my life where I had to choose between competitive boxing and my painting.

"Seven years later, with a publishing deal under my belt, I can safely say I made the right decision."

Patrick, who still coaches young boxers at the Cwmcarn Boxing Gym, is the newest artist to be signed by publishers, Kadinsky Art.