A LEDBURY boxer has been invited to spar with a prizefighting champion after successfully defending his Central England Men’s Lightweight title.

Alex ‘Pinky’ Florence will train with Chris Jenkins, who won the light welterweight prizefighter title last year with a record 16 bouts, eight of which were won by knock-out.

“It will be nice to start sparring and working with the professionals and looking at my future going forward,” said Florence.

“I have given 100% to my boxing, it’s not a sport, it’s a passion, and I am going to try my hardest to be the best in my sport.”

His father Fred Florence, who coaches Alex, said his son could soon be on the verge of turning professional.

“He’s knocking on the doors of the pros, he just needs a little bit maturity," he said.

"By the end of the year, I should feel comfortable as a coach and father to step him over to professional level.

"Hopefully with the support of Herefordshire, he will be brining professional titles back to Ledbury."

Florence beat Ryan Turner from Chesterfield Boxing Club to hold on to his title.

Turner withstood a number of punches and Florence had to pull out all the stops to take him through the first two rounds.

He then produced some outstanding boxing in the third, with his power proving too hot to handle for Turner.

Florence forced a standing count and won the bout by a unanimous decision.

Florence also recently beat open class boxer Lewis Dugan from the Royal Marines at RAF Cosford.

The Ledbury Boxing Club fighter showed his speed, skill and power to force the bout to stop in the first round by technical knock-out.

Dugan, 26, sustained a nasty gash above his right eye and Florence said he was disappointed that the fight was stopped early because he wants to box as many rounds as possible in his amateur career.

The RAF said they were very impressed with Florence and have invited him back for a two-day event.

Ledbury Boxing Club, based on Homend Trading Estate, is open from 7pm to 9pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Anyone who wants to box there or use it for fitness can call 01531 631879 or 07833 918134.