Boxer Lee Stewart sparring with Curtis Woodhouse (From York Press)

Boxer Lee Stewart sparring with Curtis Woodhouse

10:48am Wednesday 12th October 2011 in Boxing By Steve Carroll, Sports reporter

LIGHTNING Lee Stewart will be learning from one of Britain’s most exciting boxers ahead of his third ring ding.

The Clifton cuffer is to benefit from a series of sparring sessions with Curtis Woodhouse, the former York City schoolboy and professional footballer.

Stewart is appearing on the undercard of Woodhouse’s British title eliminator with Jason Cook at Rotherham’s Magna Arena on November 26.

The ex-Sheffield United and Birmingham midfielder, considered one of the country’s most exciting fighters, was last in the ring in July when he lost a split decision to former world amateur champion Frankie Gavin at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

Stewart’s opponent is yet to be named but the 21-year-old, who comprehensively out-pointed Kristian Laight over four three-minute rounds in September, has been hailed the “fighting pride of York” on the back of that display.

Stewart’s trainer Glenn Banks said sparring with Woodhouse would continue the lightweight’s education.

“Obviously sparring with someone who has a lot more experience than you will bring you on,” he said.

“It will help him to the next level and raise his own standards.

“It’s definitely something he can deal with. Lee will be fighting over four, three-minute rounds again.

“We are looking for another opponent who he can learn from and we’ve got a couple of names in mind.”