THE boxing club where Royal Gwent surgeon Ken Shute trains is in rude health having just won a clutch of trophies.

St Joseph's, in Newport's George Street, is rightly proud of its seven Welsh schoolboy and youth champions - not to mention Mr Shute who is in training for his next fight.

Head coach Roger Williams said: "We're in the process of setting up a bout between Ken and Joey Newell. It was a big success last time and it will probably be in September at the Newport Centre or Newport Rugby club."

"We've had a great season with two of the lads winning medals at the Four Nations in Liverpool two weeks ago and a fighter just returning from the World Championships in Singapore."

Mohammed Nasar, 17, won bronze and Gary Buckland silver in the Four Nations and Matthew Evans competed against the world's best in the Far East.

For coach Billy Reynolds it is not just the champions and the medals that represent the success of the club but its role in the community.

Billy said: "This club has become a focal point for people living round here. Kids start coming in from the age of ten to get fit, meet other people and grow in confidence and ability. The boys are here training and being part of something constructive instead of being out somewhere getting into trouble. This is a very multi-racial area and the gym reflects that. The club helps to break down barriers between people of different cultures. If you're here making friends with all kinds of people you understand more about each others backgrounds."

The club has about 60 schoolboys on the books who use the gym's extensive facilities and learn from the experienced coaching staff.

One of those schoolboys is Mohammed Nasar, 17, from Pill who just won bronze at the Four Nations. Mohammed said: "I've been training here about seven years and it's a great place. I first got into boxing after watching some fights on TV. I'd like to turn pro one day, I'm going to be better than Prince Naseem. Boxing is a great sport, it gets you fit and keeps you out of trouble."

The gym is open to all comers every week night from 5pm - 7.30pm. Monday and Fridays night are for beginners starting with exercise and basic training. Everyone at the club gets a medical examination and certificate before being allowed to fight. For more information call 01633 663003