REDDITCH'S future boxing stars are being short-changed. That's the message from former fighter Lee Prudden who is keen to raise the profile of the sport in the town.

Prudden was one of a number of rising stars to come out of Redditch Amateur Boxing Club in the 1980s. He went on to fight on the same bills as a string of world champions before a back injury forced his retirement in 1994.

But now Prudden wants young fighters to have their chance to follow in his footsteps.

"I had a marvellous time boxing," he said. "I fought on the same bill as Frank Bruno and Nigel Benn and fought at White Hart Lane in front of 20,000 on the undercard of the Eubank v Watson title fight.

"I made many good friends and came away with some wonderful memories."

The Redditch club closed down many years ago and amateur boxers from the town must now travel either to Birmingham or Droitwich if they want to progress.

Prudden wants that to change and has even offered to spend time coaching in the gym if others came forward to help reform a boxing club in the town.

"I would give up all of my evenings to help train the youngsters but I need others to take care of the running of the club and to find a gym," Prudden said. "I am a businessman and cannot do this on my own."

The former light-heavyweight has recently launched Prudden Hire Centre in Headless Cross and the company is looking to the future by sponsoring a Redditch fighter about to start his professional career.

Chris Rice has impressed in the cage fighting arena but is now keen to try his hand at boxing. He has linked up with trainer and former world champion Pat Cowdell and is set to take to the ring for the first time at Birmingham's Holiday Inn on May 22.

"Chris should have a good future," Prudden explained. "He packs a punch in both hands and, with the right training and advice, could do well."

The 27-year-old Rice has already sparred with Prudden and showed enough for the former fighter to back the newcomer who he hopes will take the cruiserweight division by storm.

"We will do our bit to kit him out and look forward to seeing him in action in May," he added.