WORLD champion David Haye is throwing his weight behind a Swindon boxing scholarship.

The WBA title holder who fights IBF and WBO champion Wladimir Klitschko in July, is backing Fitzpatrick’s Boxing Gym’s new initiative encouraging youngsters to carve out a career within the sport.

The full-time course is not just for budding future world champions like Haye and Klitschko, it’s designed to teach 16 to 19-year-olds every aspect of the world of boxing and sees them walk away with a BTEC Level 2 Diploma and a Level 2 Diploma in coaching boxing.

Fitzpatrick’s owner Paddy Fitzpatrick also promises that students will benefit from his vast experience in the sport which has seen him learn from legendary coaches such as Freddy Roach and James McGirt.

Haye, who visited Fitzpatrick’s previous gym in Maxwell Road back in 2007, says he wished he had a similar kind of education available to him when he was learning his trade as a youngster.

He said: “It is the first course of its kind in the country and I only wish it was available when I was that age. I would have jumped at the chance.“ Haye’s trainer and manager Adam Booth has also hailed the course, saying: “I can remember coming down with David to Paddy’s gym four years ago to help draw attention to his plan for schooling.

“It’s taken a long time to get it to this point and I think it is a fantastic opportunity for 16 to 19-year-olds to further their education and get the chance to work in the sporting industry.”

Fitzpatrick, whose gym is based in Ferndale Road, said of his scholarship: “This is a unique opportunity for youngsters to learn all about boxing and get an education at the same time.

“The course is not just about boxing, it is about boxing coaching and all the other aspects about the sport like promoting, managing etc.

“The students will learn about all the experiences I have had throughout my career.

“I certainly wish I’d had something like this when I was boxing.

“I left home at 15 years old and went into boxing but learnt the hard way. I’m fortunate it worked out for me but for many it doesn’t and if it hadn’t worked out for me then who knows where I’d be now.

“I feel lucky to be in a position where I can offer something like this to youngsters.”

The course begins next school term but places are filling up fast and interested parties are advised to book their slot as soon as possible.

For further details contact Paddy Fitzpatrick on 01793 336072.