A FATHER and son from Ferndale are getting ready for a big boxing show at the MECA.

Mike and Ryan Matthews are nearing the end of an intense 10-week training programme for Swindon Martial Arts’ Road To Glory fight night on Saturday November 18.

Mike explained how he and his son took their first steps on the Road to Glory.

The 55-year-old said: “I’ve been going to a fitness class taught by retired boxer Kelly Morgan for a couple of years but have never done anything on a competitive level.

“I went to last year’s Road To Glory show then mentioned it to my son, who did a bit of boxing in the army, and we thought it would be a nice thing to do together.

“Running the Swindon Half-Marathon in September helped get me fit and ready for it.

“It’s been a brutal training programme for someone my age and it’s a lot to learn in a short amount of time but I weigh less than 12 stone for the first time in 15 years.

“Ryan’s significantly better at it than I am and he’s been encouraging me and getting me through it.

“The son’s looking out for the father now, there’s definitely a role reversal.”

Ryan started the programme a year after returning from six years in the British Armed Forces.

The 25-year-old said: “It’s something quite special, it’s been a nice bonding experience and training is draining but enjoyable.

“I’ll definitely continue boxing as a hobby after this.

More than 30 contenders will take part in the show, split into two teams and facing off individually against opponents in three two-minute rounds.

Mike and Ryan are both in the Blue Team. Ryan works at Nationwide and Mike works as an electrical technician in Didcot. They’ve been training six days a week - three days in the programme with three extra days in the gym - in the run up to the main event.

The Road to Glory white-collar boxing programme is designed for beginner boxers aged 18 to 55, giving them the chance to try a new hobby, improve their fitness and fight in show off their skills in front of a cheering crowd.