TAUNTON’S only professional boxer, Pawel Augustynik, has thrown his weight behind the campaign to save Taunton Amateur Boxing Club.

Augustynik’s path to professional boxing began at Taunton ABC during his teenage years, and he has started selling ‘Team Pav’ t-shirts to help their cause, with all money being donated to the club in memory of Seb Morris.

The club’s future is uncertain as a result of increasing security measures at its current home of Taunton Fire Station, with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service putting in place enhanced security at all its buildings following last year’s terror attacks which led to the UK’s current ‘severe threat’ status.

In light of the developments, Augustynik is among those working hard to find new premises for the popular organisation.

“I am worried about the club at the moment,” Augustynik said.

“The fire station has been really good to us, but now we have to go elsewhere and it would be really good to find new premises.

“A lot of youngsters go there and enjoy themselves.”

Augustynik went on to explain how such organisations being given the opportunity to thrive can benefit individuals as well as the wider community.

“Boxing teaches discipline, promotes a healthy lifestyle and helps keeps kids out of trouble,” he said.

“It has been really good for me, and because of boxing I am a better person now than I was when I was younger.

“It gets really busy [at the club]. On some nights there are over 20 youngsters down there, and the room is not the biggest so it can get crowded.

“It is very important that the club stays open and finds somewhere else to base itself - I can only hope there is someone out there, whether it’s one person or a local company, who can help us.”

Augustynik's ‘Team Pav’ t-shirts are available to buy for £15 - to order one, contact David Entwistle on 07540 260064 or pop into Activate Fitness, Bridge Street, to enquire.

Meanwhile, the Taunton boxer continues his professional career on Friday, March 16 at Bristol’s Ashton Gate Stadium.

The ‘Class of 2018’ event features the best young fighters in the region, and tickets are available for £30 (standard), £40 (ringside) or £50 (VIP).

Augustynik is unbeaten in his five professional fights to date - for ticket information, use the contact details above or visit Activate Fitness.