THE 'Jorvik Warrior' Jamie Warters has thrown his weight behind the launch of a new boxing club based out of Canon Lee Primary School.

Warters, who is due back in the ring tonight when he faces Phil Day from Daventry at the KC Stadium in Hull, took time out from his preparations to help open the Rawcliffe Boxing Club.

Warters was only happy to help out and gave an exhibition of training on the punch bag and pads. The York cruiserweight told the Evening Press: "I've went along to help out and to give something back.

"I'd love to get involved in training and coaching when I've finished professionally. Boxing is in my blood and I'll do anything to help.

"I've got the experience to be involved. I've been involved in the sport a long time and met a lot of brilliant trainers."

The Rawcliffe club is the brain child of qualified trainer and former York amateur Gary Clapham, who will run it alongside another former local amateur Tony Murray.

Although the location means there will be no ring for lads to train in, the club will focus on the finer arts of the ringcraft - from fitness to the punch bags - in a bid to get lads off the streets and into the gym.

Clapham told the Evening Press: "This has been something I've been wanting to do for a long time, but I'e just not had the chance before. Now Tony Murray has said he will help out, while Mr Snow at Canon Lee School has said I can use the gym and we have been given backing to get the equipment.

"The sessions will be non-contact.

"There'll be no sparring, instead it will be skipping, work on the pads and punch bags and fitness.

We will be teaching kids the basics while giving them something different to do.

"It is about getting the kids off the streets. Youth clubs are going out of the window one by one, so you just see kids hanging about the streets and drinking, even though they are too young. This is a way to channel their energies."

Although the club will be non-contact, lads who want on to box properly will be taken along to the North Street-based All Saints ABC, where Clapham's brother Richard is a trainer.

"If anyone does really want to get into a ring and box properly, then we will take them along to the York club and sort them out there," added Clapham.

The club, which will be run for boys aged 11 to 17 years, will open up for its first night on Thursday, April 24, and will hold sessions every Monday and Thursday from 7-9pm. Training costs just £1 a night. For more details, please contact Gary on 01904 638010.

Updated: 11:28 Thursday, April 17, 2003