Sam Noakes flying the flag for Maidstone when he faces Lewis Sylvester for the British lightweight title at the Copper Box in London

Boxer Sam Noakes wants to bring more sporting success to his home town when he fights for the British lightweight championship.

Noakes aims to add to the feelgood factor in the county town following Maidstone United’s FA Cup heroics.

The 26-year-old takes on fellow unbeaten opponent Lewis Sylvester at the Copper Box in London on Saturday night.

Noakes, who already holds Commonwealth and WBC International Silver titles, has been training in his Maidstone shirt.

He couldn’t travel to Ipswich - he had a suit-fitting for ex-Stones defender and big pal Ben Swift’s upcoming wedding - but watched on TV and was inspired by their success.

“It’s the most I’ve ever been into a football match - even more so than England,” said Noakes.

“They’re doing well for themselves and I’m quite open and proud that I’m from Maidstone, so it all just clicks in.

“You hear people say ‘I’ve had enough of this place’ but I think Maidstone’s a lovely place.

“When you’re younger you perhaps don’t see it like that but I’m happy to be from here.

“There’s a lot of people in the town doing well.

“The football team are flying, me and my brother (Sean, fellow pro boxer) are doing well and I’d imagine there’s loads of other talented kids as well. It’s good.”

Noakes, the former Westree amateur, has won all 12 pro fights by stoppage and has Sylvester in his sights this weekend.

His title rival, who’s coming down from Yorkshire, boasts a 13-0 record, with four KOs.

“I’m buzzing, I can’t wait to get in there,” said Noakes.

“The British title is something I’ve wanted for a long while now, so I’m going to go and get it on Saturday.

“Every British fighter is the same - you put your stamp in history with that.

“It’ll be a tough fight. He’s quite a skilled boxer, who