Boxer with Down's syndrome a lesson to us all after linking up with Team Wiseman for Southsea fight night

And Waterlooville outfit Team Wiseman will be playing a central role in making the dreams of Todd Scanlon come true when he’s roared on by a packed crowd at South Parade Pier.

Scanlon has linked up with the Wecock-based outfit after coming to national attention when the scaffolder was named the country’s top apprentice.

The 30-year-old has refused to let his disability hold him back, and his determination to live life to the full has now reached another level when he takes part in a white-collar bout organised by Team Bessey.

Team Wiseman, head coach, Daron Wiseman will be the man stood in the path of Scanlon as he bids for victory.

And Wiseman has told of the privilege it’s been to welcome someone with Scanlon’s determination into his club to learn the boxing ropes.

He said: ‘It’s brilliant for the sport and the whole story has a feelgood factor about it.

‘I’m proud our club has been able play a part in helping Todd - and it shows what boxing can do.

‘Believe me, though, he’s coming to fight.

‘He’s short, stocky and a really strong lad. I’m a bit worried he’s going to knock me out!

‘Billy Bessey is doing the show for the Amelia-Mae Foundation - so it’s all for a good cause.

‘As a person, Todd’s such a nice lad. As soon as you talk to him you like him.

‘He doesn’t take any stick off anyone and is a sharp lad.

‘Our gym is full of banter and he’s fitted right into that.

‘He’s training with Joel McIntyre, Bailey Donald, Liam Wiseman and Charlie Martin - and he’s having a laugh with all of them.

‘We’re proving a point here that anything is possible.

‘Why should Todd not be given a chance just because he’s got Down’s syndrome?

‘He wants to do it, he’s determined and trained hard - so why not? It’s a lesson to us all.’

Wiseman explained the involvement with Scanlon all came about from a chance encounter on social media, after sharing a clip of his apprentice success on Facebook.

That led to Scanlon appearing on BBC and Channel 5 and plenty of admiration for an attitude which is a lesson to us all.

Wiseman added: ‘I saw the clip of Todd winning the apprentice of the year award and I thought what a brilliant story it was.

‘So I shared it and from there one of the scaffolders he works with added me on Facebook and we got talking from there.

‘Then Todd got in touch with me and it escalated from there.

‘It’s all been over the period of six weeks. He’s come to the gym, started training and now he’s getting into the ring.

‘We’ve taught him the how to defend himself and block and he’s got his natural power.

‘He’s physically strong. He’s into weight training and throws scaffold tubes around.

‘Todd’s an inspiration to all of us - I just hope he doesn’t hurt me too badly!’