Maverick Stars ambassadors Danny Wright and Aqib Fiaz have launched a new coaching initiative aimed at getting Salford kids fighting fit.

The initiative - based at Peel Park, Little Hulton and delivered in partnership with Salford CVS - is encouraging children aged 8+ to attend two free boxing sessions each week. Leading the way is former professional boxer Danny and current super-featherweight prospect Aqib.

Along with working with Maverick Stars, Danny also works for top promoter Steve Wood in his ViP boxing equipment business, while Aqib is preparing for his rescheduled fight with Kane Baker.

Manchester's light-heavyweight champion Lyndon Arthur is preparing for a big return to the ring, but is still finding time to mentor the next generation.

The 29-year old defends his commonwealth title against Dec Spelman behind closed doors on Friday, 31 July. In between training sessions, he's also heading up the Maverick Stars 'in Your Corner' mentoring initiative, working with young people. Lyndon's providing support for those in need of a 'big brother' figure including 16-year old Nissar, who said: "It's good, we've been doing different things like basketball and stuff like that. It's been eight weeks now."

Boxing helped steer Lyndon down the right road after tragedy struck his family. He was just ten years old when his older brother Zennen was shot and killed. Like so many before him, the discipline and support he found at Collyhurst and Moston ABC has helped shape his life. Lyndon's now keen to pass on his experiences and has found the mentoring process to be mutually beneficial.

"I guess it helps in different aspects of life. It probably helps you grow up a little bit," he explained. "It might sound strange saying that, but it can make you see things in a different light. I know what I've been through and there's certain things in my life that could've made me go down a different path. It could be easy for Nissar to do the same thing. I just try and give him knowledge about what's right and what's wrong."

Along with mentoring, the unbeaten 'King Arthur' faces his next career challenge against Scunthorpe's Spelman at the end of the month. Lyndon said: "It's been good to get training and dieting again and I'm excited to get in there. He [Spelman] seems like a cool kid and I know what I'm going to get with him. Like every fight, I have to get over the line and be victorious."

A new Maverick Stars initiative - 'In Your Corner', headed up by Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Lyndon Arthur - is already proving a big hit with young people in north Manchester.

Lyndon, 29, has been providing support for those in need of a 'big brother' figure in his community. He's been acting as a mentor for one young man in particular, 16 year-old Nissar, who has struggled in lockdown and misses the focus and discipline his local boxing gym, Collyhurst and Moston, normally provides him with.

Lyndon is no stranger to life's hurdles - he was ten years old when his older brother Zennen was shot and killed - and understands the physical and mental stresses and strains that many young people are dealing with.

"I can relate to these life situations," he said.  "I'm someone the kids look up to, so they listen to me and enjoy working with me. He's always asking me 'when are you coming back?' So it's really good that he's interacting with me. We've been doing a bit of basketball and shadow boxing, but it's mainly about talking to him. It's good."

Along with his work with Nissar, Lyndon is preparing for his much-anticipated domestic clash with the highly-rated Anthony Yarde. The Londoner suffered tragedy during lockdown with the death from COVID-19 of both his father and grandmother.

The pair have both defeated Dec Spelman in their last fights as they continue to prepare to meet each other in the ring. 

"I don't see myself as the underdog," Lydon said.  "I've always had confidence going into this fight and nothing has changed."