WALES’ GREATEST ever boxer is bringing youngsters the chance to work with a legend, by launching his own boxing academy.

The Joe Calzaghe Boxing Academy – in association with partner TVS Education Ltd – will offer young adults aged 16-18 the opportunity of pursuing their in-ring boxing ambitions whilst studying for EDEXCEL BTEC Sports courses at Levels 1, 2 and 3.

The courses will be based at carefully selected partner boxing clubs nationwide, taking students away from the traditional school environment and immersing them in a new culture, conducive to their ambitions. The focus will always be on attaining success and satisfaction for the individual whilst allowing them to fulfil their potential in a practical, yet education-tailored, environment.

TVS Education works with key sporting organisations, including over 50 Football League Clubs, to provide education opportunities for young people through the medium of sport. Its vision is to develop individuals by utilising their love of sport to harness their full educational potential.

Speaking ahead of the launch day, the longest-reigning Super Middleweight World Champion in professional boxing history, Joe Calzaghe said: “Having benefitted and grown as a person so much through boxing, I decided that I wanted to give back what I could. This link with TVS Education to launch my Boxing Academy is the perfect way to formally do that on a national scale.

“Everybody involved is looking forward to the upcoming launch day - getting this off the ground and out to the young people ahead of the programme’s nationwide launch in 2015. It is a fantastic project to be involved in and we’re very excited about what it can achieve.”

TVS Education’s Chief Executive Alan Whiteley added: “The Joe Calzaghe Boxing Academy will offer young people a tremendous opportunity to pursue their boxing dream in conjunction with a sound educational footing. TVS Education is delighted to be the Academy’s exclusive partner.

“With the ever increasing pressure on young adults to gain qualifications, find work or go onto university, the JCBA is a fantastic alternative to the traditional routes of study. In conjunction with the JCBA, TVS Education is relishing the opportunity of being able to make a tangible difference to the lives of young people – combining education with sport.”