Gillingham’s Ryan McDonagh is competing on the Kent Charity Boxing bill at Lordswood Leisure Centre after learning for free at Kent Gloves

Ryan McDonagh had never boxed before he took up the challenge to fight with the Kent Charity Boxing team - and now he’s hooked.

The 16-year-old from Gillingham is preparing for his third bout this Sunday, on the latest KCB show at the Lordswood Leisure Centre, just four months after starting out in the sport.

He’s combining boxing with his other passion, football. He’s part of the Soccer Elite academy where he is working towards a scholarship.

McDonagh said: “The boxing training has gone well, I have learned a lot, my technique has got better and I am really confident.

“I had no experience before and this is my fourth month now. Myself and a family member started with Darren (Clayton), we were just going to do it for fitness, it was free training, but we really got into it.

“It’s such a nice club, a really nice family, I can’t stop coming now.

“I have always been a fan of boxing, always loved watching it, but never knew where to start and then I heard about this, it was such an easy way to start and a great opportunity.”

He is happy to combine both sports at present so doesn’t have to choose.

His first fight ended in a win, but then lost the close re-match at the ‘Maidstone Mayhem’ show. It was due to go to a third bout but the opponent cannot make it. A new challenger will be declared a day before Sunday’s event.

“I’ll just train and find out my opponent the night before and I know I will be set up really well,” he said.

McDonagh is coached by Clayton, Wez Hammell and Nick Seager from Kent Gloves at Elm Court. They are happy to take on allcomers to teach them for free and get them in the ring - if they want to.

“They are brilliant,” McDonagh said. “I would recommend them to anyone coaching-wise. They know how to teach