RYAN Watson’s gym is buzzing ahead of the start of the new boxing season – with several young rookies preparing to take their first steps in the sport.

Watson is currently in the process of finalising affiliation with governing body England Boxing, having been given preliminary approval by officials.

That will allow the former pro to get his boxers carded and competing under his club’s banner, along with holding shows after a successful charity event in April.

“We’ve got a few amateurs who are going to fight this season,” said Watson.

“We’ve got about five lads who are going to get carded to fight.

“I want to get ABA affilitated and then I want to put an amateur show on. I want to move away from charity shows, and I want to concentrate on getting lads in championships.”

Among those newcomers is female fighter Jen Hadwin, who - along with Ethan Brierley - is eyeing a shot at the national Novice competition in the future.

“She had an exhibition fight and did really well,” said Watson. “She just needs to get her medical and she’ll be boxing for us as well.

“She wants to in the Novice championship the season after this one and our aim is to at least win the North West title, or possibly more.

“It’s the same for Ethan, so we’re just knuckling down, training really hard and aiming for the novices.”