KELVIN Young believes that his link-up with a new trainer has given him an extra spring in his step as he bids to become a two-weight Southern Area champion.

The 29-year-old has joined forces with Devizes’ Liam Wilkins ahead of his clash with Jack Morris at the York Hall on July 16.

Young, a former super-middleweight Southern Area and IBO inter-continental champion, is hoping that by getting back to working off his jab can help him add the vacant light-heavyweight strap to his collection.

“I don’t want to give too much of the gameplan away but I have been working on my strengths – making sure that everything comes off the jab,” Young said.

“Working with Liam has given me an extra spark and I really like the gameplan that he has come up with for July 16 and if it comes off, then I will be a two-weight Southern Area champion.

“We are getting plenty of sparring in. I have been doing a lot with the army in Abingdon and we are down there again this week.”

The Penhill pugilist says that he first spoke to Wilkins eight months ago, however, at that he stage, he didn’t ask the 21-year-old to become his trainer.

“I’ve known Liam and his family for quite a few years, but when I spoke to him last year I was in the middle of a camp,” Young said.

“I think he had only just, or he was in the process of getting his trainer’s licence.

“I have been training with Joe (Wrona), but he works away a lot and is not always able to around.

“So I got in touch with Liam. Keith (Mayo, Young’s manager) and I went down to Liam for a couple of days and we clicked right away.

“He is young and ambitious and I’m really enjoying the training.

“Being over in Devizes is just giving me that extra focus and I can’t wait for July 16.”

Facing Young next month is former English title challenger Morris.

The 33-year-old lost on a unamious points decision to Tom Baker at the Bethnal Green venue back in March.

The fighter from Margate has come down in weights having faced the now retired Lawrence Bennett for the Southern Area cruiserweight crown in March 2014 with the Swindon southpaw winning on points.