KIERAN Gething is preparing to swap boxing for political sparring as he nears the end of his career in the ring.

The Abergavenny fighter – a former Welsh super-lightweight champion – is set to be a candidate in the 2026 Senedd elections when starting life after professional boxing.

The 30-year-old hasn’t fought since losing a hometown fight against unbeaten north Walian Sion Yaxley for the Celtic and IBO continental super welter belts last July.

Gething (12-3-2) was supposed to take on Ireland’s Graham McCormack for the Celtic super middleweight title earlier this year but two fights were cancelled.

The Welsh fighter, who was born with club foot, has revealed that he has been troubled with arthritis in his ankles and hands.

Kieran Gething is getting ready to swap boxing for politicsKieran Gething is getting ready to swap boxing for politics (Image: Submitted)

“I’m coming to the end of my boxing career,” said Gething. “I am still an active professional and hope that with some pain management I could compete again, at least for a swansong.

“I always said that 30 would be my last year and it feels like time, it’s coming to the end and I am ready for what is next.”

Gething will take the gumshield out, hang up his gloves and pin on a rosette.

The fighter intends to become the Abergavenny version of Vitali Klitschko or Manny Pacquiao, putting himself forward for election in Monmouthshire as a candidate for the Propel party.

Passionate about Welsh independence, Gething is ready to swap touching gloves for pressing the flesh.

“I ran for election a few years ago for the experience and see how it worked, so I am going to give it a go for the Senedd,” said Gething, who is also involved in boxing management and promotion.

“I’ve really become interested in politics in recent years and it has become a passion – I want to know what is going on in the area and get involved.

“The reaction has been really positive so far, as soon as talk about what I would like to do for the area people say they are getting behind me.

“I want to get my agenda out there and I am already active in local politics, getting involved in organisations and giving talks.

“Welsh independence is my main goal and Welsh education is a big thing, because I have worked in schools and in coaching.

“I volunteer with 15 hours a week in my gym and know how important education can be for these kids. It makes sense to get them more interested in their Welsh culture.

“I want to be a voice for people because I am approachable, I always have been because that is part of boxing.

“I am really passionate about helping people. I am a champion of my country, now I want to be a champion for my community.”