A BURNLEY boxing club’s crucial build-up for the forthcoming national championships have been saved by the bell thanks to a local trainer and promoter.

Sandygate ABC’s plans appeared to be on the ropes after their Holmes Street gym sprung a leak.

But, just when they seemed to be out for the count, professional trainer and Sandygate old boy, Kevin Maree, came to the rescue.

Maree, who coaches Commonwealth Games gold medal winner, Kenny Anderson, allowed eight young fighters - including ABA national champion Sam Tucker - to use his own gym based at Stirk House in Gisburn.

The eight fighters had been putting in their final preparations for the ABA Schoolboy Championships, which get under way later this month, when their gym was hit by a burst pipe.

But coaches Nik Tucker and Shaun Dwyer got in touch with Maree who was only too happy to help out.

“We we would like to thank Kevin for allowing the lads to train at his gym and for him giving up his own time to help them,” said Dwyer.

Maree said he was impressed with the young fighters coming out of the Burnley club.

He said “I put the lads through their paces and pushed them hard.

“You can see why the club is achieving so much with their youths as they are as dedicated and disciplined as any professional.”