JOCKEY Felix De Giles will swap his silks for a pair of boxing gloves later this month.

The Stanton Fitzwarren youngster has been training at Walcot Boxing Club and will fight on their show on Friday.

De Giles has notched a career-best 45 winners on the turf this season and believes his boxing training at the County Ground-based amateur club has played a large part in his success.

“Two of my fellow jockeys have trained at Walcot and suggested I gave it a go, so I did,” explained De Giles. “It is very much core strength and I certainly notice the difference coming down here. I’ve been training here for around seven or eight months and although boxing appears very different to horse racing, it is actually quite similar.

“There are many similar muscles used in the training, particularly in the legs. Boxers, like jockeys, also need to keep their weight down so it’s been very good to do.”

Training alongside the likes of Walcot chief coach Harry Scott is one thing but De Giles must now face fighting for real and admitted he is hoping for an ‘easy’ opponent.

“I’ve done lots of sparring now so I should be okay,” said De Giles. “I think they have found me a fight so hopefully it’s someone easy.

“I’m used to the pressure so I don’t think I will be too nervous unless of course they find me an unbeaten fighter.

“It should be a really good show and I’m proud to be part of it. There is some really good kids down at Walcot and the coaches are all very professional. I’m looking forward to watching and being part of the action on the 18th.”

Walcot’s show will be staged at the Supermarine club in South Marston. Tickets cost £10 and are available by ringing Dave Veysey on 07860693974.