A BLIND boxer nicknamed Magic Michael put on a show for spectators ahead of a fight night at Buddies Gym, Westcliff.

Michael Szczerba, 15, of Southend, has been training at the gym for about eight weeks, with his coach Kevin Catwell, saying people now do not notice he is blind.

Mr Catwell trains him by teaching him punches associated with different numbers. He then calls out the combinations so Michael knows where to aim.

Michael was rewarded for his progress with a sparring session with former amateur world champion Adam Taylor, the face of Buddies Gym.

Kevin said: “He hits really hard.

“When we first started he was hitting me a little rather than the pads, but you wouldn’t know he’s blind.

“He comes from a boxing-mad family and he knows his stuff.

“I’m standing behind him in the ring when he’s sparring to give him cues to turn or move his hands up or down – but if he had someone in the corner, then he wouldn’t need me and he’d outdo most fighters his age.”