Manx ABC stalwart Peter Roberts has been appointed an England Boxing Talent Pathway coach.

The former professional passed a rigorous interview and assessment process to take up the role within the north west regional team at the start of next year.

Roberts, who has been involved with the sport for more than 40 years, will now be charged with identifying and training boxers that could go on to represent England and then potentially Great Britain at major championships like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

Anthony Joshua is one of several world-class boxers to have come through the pathway in the past.

Roberts will continue to coach at the Palace Road club and hopes his new role will help island boxers onto the prestigious programme in the future.