Naeem, 18, Oldham

How did it feel to be a part of Fight School?

I was over the moon when I got the call to say I had a place. I was so excited to get started. As a child, I watched boxing but I didn’t do it and didn’t consider myself as fit.

How did you find the training?

Watching someone box looks easy, but when I had to step in the ring and do the sparring it was the most difficult thing I have been put up against. The training was intense which surprised me. The first session showed me how hard it was going to be. It also made me realise how unfit I was and I needed to make some changes to my diet. I dreaded the running during the first few weeks, but when I reached the point where I felt healthier, I began to look forward to the morning runs.

In the first episode you turn up late for a training session. Did you find it hard to motivate yourself?

I didn’t have a problem with motivation and I was silly with my timing. I soon realised that I had to take it seriously.

Did you enjoy living with the other boxing students?

I hadn’t lived in that kind of environment before. But what I did find was that living in a house with people I had never met before was one of the biggest things that pushed me towards change. The others were great motivators. I was one of the youngest people in the house and they really looked out for me.

What did you learn about yourself?

Taking part in Fight School gave me confidence, it was my first venture into London and I learnt that everyone - whatever their background - was the same. To pick up the sport of boxing in five months made me realise I can pick up new things.