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."