NEW boxing club chief Patrick Kennedy has watched ring legends Barry McGuigan, Nigel Benn and Marvin Hagler all over the world.

Ireland-born Patrick is a huge fan of the sport and says he’s proud to be putting on the gloves for Tenbury Amateur Boxing Club.

“I have a myriad of skills and I will be using them to try to get more financial support for the club,” said Patrick.

“I have worked with charitable organisations in the past and we might look towards charitable status for the club.”

Patrick has lived in the Teme Valley for the past nine years and joins the ranks of the club founded by Martin ‘Paddy’ Brennan, also the head coach.

“I boxed at school and I’ve been around the world watching boxers like Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Nigel Benn and Barry McGuigan.

“Paddy made an offer to me to come on board with the club a couple of years ago but I was too busy at the time with other projects,” explained Patrick.

“I have got to know Paddy pretty well and he’s a fantastic guy and the club is excellent.

“He told me a few months ago that his club chairman had become very busy with other projects and wouldn’t be able to continue in the role.

“I thought it would be a great time to come on board.”

Patrick, who been in Worcestershire for 25 years, added: “I have been training at Tenbury Boxing Club for the past six months and I’ve got to know the young boxers.

“Paddy’s enthusiasm is amazing and very infectious.”