LIFELONG Southend United supporter Nick Styles will be aiming to help the Shrimpers young guns pack a punch when he begins his boxing career next month.

The Southend based 25-year-old will be battling it out at Clements Hall on Saturday October 28.

And Styles will be donating a percentage of his ticket sales to promising players in Blues’ academy.

“I’ve spent my whole life watching Southend home and away and after speaking to Ricky Duncan I wanted to do my bit to help,” said Styles.

“I understand some of the kids are from single parent families and they might not be able to afford boots or to travel in.

“When I was younger I was at an academy and it was a big barrier for me because my mum couldn’t afford certain things.

“Because of that I thought it was a good idea to donate £5 of every ticket sold to the academy at Southend and hopefully that will be able to make a difference.”

Styles has been training hard after first taking up boxing to improve his fitness following his decision to stop his running career. The keen Blues fan teamed up with Tom Sloan at the TSG gym in Westcliff and that link-up has ultimately led to him appearing at UWC’s next fight night.

“I’ve been training for a few months one-on-one with Tom and he asked if I would be willing to step forward and have a bout,” said Styles.

“I’ve decided to go for it but I’ve had to shift a lot of weight.

“I was 90 kilos when I started and I’m fighting at 75 kilos.

“I’ve lost six kilos in two weeks, so I’m getting there and I’m starting to feel good. I’m looking forward to it all and really do hope I can raise a decent amount for the academy.”

And the Blues’ academy boss Ricky Duncan is incredibly grateful for Styles’ support.

“It’s great that a guy who has supported the club for so long has agreed to do this,” said Duncan.

“He has his own reasons for fighting but for him to be willing to help us is superb.

“He’s a real fan who goes every week and he wants to help our young players. I can’t thank him enough and whatever he gives us will be greatly accepted. It’s a fantastic gesture.”

For details on how to support Styles, email nick.styles@atlanticgrupa.com.