ONE of the region's top boxing clubs is all set to reinforce its logo as the 'Best in the West' after recruiting an exciting new promoter.

The Spaniorum Farm Gym, which is based in Compton Greenfield, near Hallen, attracts fighters from across Gloucestershire and the South West, and has long been recognised as one of the most accomplished gyms in the Bristol area.

Now, the gym has attracted former amateur boxer Tony Hay to its fold, with Hay's application for a professional boxing promoter's licence being approved by the British Boxing Board of Control Ltd last week.

Hay, who boxed in Bury, Lancashire, is the successful managing director of a vacuum cleaner company and is now placing his business skills and sponsorship behind a new limited company that will bring top class management and coaching to present and potential professional boxers in the South West.

Profits from his company's planned series of local boxing shows and celebrity dinners will be kept in a fund to cover boxers' medical fees and travelling and training expenses.

Hay said: "I have been watching boxing in the Bristol area for some while now and I have noticed a 'vacuum' in regards to the limited training facilities and coaching available to aspiring pro boxers!"

He added: "When I was boxing I benefited from the skills of a very good coach, Mike Jelly, who also happens to be Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan's coach, and I believe all boxers should have this very necessary guidance.

"When I helped Jane Couch in her last promotion in Bristol I was captured by her enthusiasm and commitment to boxing, so much so that it rekindled my desire to become re-involved in the sport that I had enjoyed so much in my youth.

"Jane and I had several meetings to discuss our plans and decided we could do no better than to work with Jane's own manager and coach Tex Woodward at Spaniorum Farm Gym."

With three boxing rings, numerous water-filled punch bags, punch balls, plus a spacious weight training cardiovascular area and two saunas, the gym is only matched by the coaching skills of its owner, and one of the most experienced boxing coaches in the country, Tex Woodward.

Woodward, who has been coaching boxers for over 50 years, is also the manager of the growing stable of professional boxers at Spaniorum Farm and will act in that capacity for the new Bristol Boxing Academy.

Tony Hay's first academy promotion will be at Whitchurch Sports Centre on Saturday, July 9, at 8pm (doors open 6.30pm), featuring stars Jane Couch and Dean Francis, supported by local fighters Chris Long, Henry Smith, John Smith, Shane White, Liam Stinchcombe, Danny Gwylim and Csaba Andras.

Further information can be obtained from Tony Hay on 07974 662968 or Tex Woodward on 01454 632448.