BOXER Darryl Still is a man dedicated to his sport - and he has now been rewarded.

The rising star of the amateur world has been given sponsorship by Fitness First, based in Chineham.

Still (pictured) is already creating interest from professional promoters and hopes to turn professional in a couple of years.

Until then, he will continue to learn his trade and is hoping to represent England for the Amateur Boxing Association.

The 23-year-old's normal training programme takes up six days of the week.

Three days are spent at the Basingstoke Boxing Club, Essex Road, doing pad work, bag work, sparring, skipping and exercises with technique work.

The other three days' training are spent at Fitness First, where Still does running, skipping and a huge mixture of cardiovascular work to condition himself.

He also has to stick to a strict diet to maintain the 66kg limit for the welterweight division at which he fights.

Still, who works in the payroll and accounts department of TAC Europe, a worldwide specialist recruitment agency, enjoyed a great run of form as the season came to a close.

He reeled off five straight wins, with the most impressive of them coming against the experienced Portsmouth fighter Mark Coombs, at the Milan Mandaric Suite, Fratton Park.

The Lychpit-based fighter said: "That was one of the highlights of my career so far, as he is a very highly rated, and it was a big accolade beating him on his own turf. Another big win for me was when I represented the Southern Counties against the Army."

Still only took up boxing in 1998 after meeting Basingstoke professional Jon Honney on a work placement.

He persuaded him to go along to Essex Road.

Still said: "At the time I was getting into a lot of trouble and needed somewhere to channel my aggression.

"It has saved me from going nowhere in life. It has given me targets and made me a stronger and better person."

Boxing is a great pastime, and there are a number of excellent trainers at the Basingstoke club.

Still said: "It is an excellent sport that shows discipline and determination.

"It is also an art form. It gives kids something to focus on, with great social benefits."

With his progression in the sport, it will give the young boxers at Essex Road someone to look up to.

Talking about his own boxing heroes, Still said: "Julio Caesar Chavez and Sugar Ray Leonard are true legends. Due to their dominating champion status, their exciting styles and sheer determination, they beat the best. Of the present boxers, it would be Ricky Hatton."

With any star in sport, there are a few people in the background supporting them.

Still said: "I would like to thank my mum, Cathie Duffy, as she has always been there for me - the good times and the bad. My stepdad, Andy Duffy, for always believing in me, and my trainer Tenny Turner for all his input and hard work. I have so much respect for him as a trainer and a friend."

Anyone wishing to become an additional sponsor of one of boxing's rising stars can do so by contacting Still on 07861 217 065.