AS Kelvin Young prepares to defend his IBO super-middleweight inter-continental title for the first time, his trainer Richard Farnan has been impressed with how much he has learnt from this camp.

With just under a fortnight to go before the Penhill pugilist steps through the ropes at the Oasis Leisure Centre, Young is beginning to taper down his training.

And with June 7 fast approaching, Farnan is in no doubt that his charge will show a vast improvement from when he fought Tomas Kugler over eight rounds back in March.

“His combination punching (has improved) and so has his ringcraft,” Farnan said.

“Kelv comes on to the front foot more, he is more confident on the front foot now, he is comfortable putting his shots together and stepping away to have a look before going back in.

“Since then (the Kugler fight), that is what we have been working on, getting on that front foot and getting those combos off.

“It is working, he is doing it with virtually everyone we have sparred with recently.

“We have changed a few of the things that we do in the gym, especially on the bag, which is he is now able to take into the ring with him.

“He is improving all the time, we all are, nobody is perfect, there is always something to learn, always something to improve on.”

Prior to Young’s clash with Kugler, Farnan said that they would be spending more time sparring with Carl Froch for this camp.

However, the trainer, having already spent two camps with the current IBF and WBA super-middleweight champion, was unsure how much more Young would learn.

But as the Cobra gets ready to prove beyond all doubt that his is the country’s top 168lb fighter this weekend, Farnan has been pleased with Young’s progress.

“Kelv has learnt masses from Carl this time,” he said. “(Froch’s trainer) Rob McCraken commented on it a number of times.

“He had a very hard spar a fortnight ago with Carl, and Rob said 12 months ago you wouldn’t have been able to do that.

“In our final spar with Carl he boxed beautifully. He was on the backfoot because Carl was coming forward all the time.

“Kelv was able to get his shots off, get his combinations in very quick and get away.

“Carl did chase him down a few times and pin him against the ropes and let some shots go. As he let them go, Kelv was able to tie up and push him away.”