YOUNGSTERS from Droitwich Amateur Boxing Academy were knocked out when they met super middleweight world champion Carl Froch and other leading lights from the sport.

The group was invited to train and look around the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, the home of British Olympic boxing and the Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAE) headquarters, thanks to the club’s ties with Rob McCracken, Froch’s trainer and head coach of the Team GB boxing team at the 2012 London Olympics.

They were able to use the superb facilities on offer including various training equipment and seven rings – one of which was used at the Games – while being put through their paces by the centre’s coaches.

The visit coincided with training sessions for some of Britain’s top boxing talent, so there was an opportunity to meet and view the likes of Olympic gold medallists Nicola Adams, Luke Campbell and Anthony Joshua in action.

Capping a memorable trip to South Yorkshire was the appearance of Froch, who is using the Sheffield facility as part of the preparations for his much-publicised world title re-match with George Groves at the end of May.

The Droitwich contingent was able to watch the fighter known as ‘The Cobra’ spar and have a chat to him about his training for the big fight.

“It was a fantastic day out and a real privilege for us to have this opportunity to use the Institute’s facilities and meet some of the top names in the sport,” said Jayson Doyle, Droitwich Amateur Boxing Academy Coach.

“Not only were we made to feel extremely welcome but the coaches were really impressed with the ability and potential of our own young boxers.”