With the small matter of the Olympics out of the picture for another four years the World Series of Boxing enters a new cycle with a host of new boxers, some who have proved themselves in London as well as established names known to followers of Boxing's premier team competition.

To introduce the new look Dolce&Gabbana Italia Thunder, we're presenting this video of exclusive backstage footage of a photo shoot with Italian sports bible 'SportWeek' including some new faces and some familiar ones. It captures the team spirit of the Thunder, their hard work and commitment and marries it with the Italian style of the brand. A formal style is juxtaposed to the grit of hard gym work and a backdrop under construction.

Following on from their all conquering success in last years competition Dolce&Gabbana Milano Thunder has reconstituted itself in line with the new team format of the competition which will include teams with a national representation rather than just the city of Milan, but now representing the entire nation of Italy and Italy's national boxing talent.

The spine of the team is made up of Italian boxers, with some young, talented fighters given the chance to prove themselves and mix it with the big hitters from the international scene. Olympic Silver medalist Clemente Russo remains on board as does Domenico Valentino, and will serve as inspiration and leaders to the younger boxers coming through.

From left to right: Daniele Limone (italia), Clemente Russo (Italy), Vincenzo Picardi (Italy), Tony Victor James Yoka (France), Charly Suarez (Phillippines), Domenico Valentino (Italy), Branimir Stankovic (Serbia)

Other Italians making up the team are Vittorio Jahin Parrinello, Vincenzo Picardi, Daniele Limone, Riccardo D’Andrea, Michele De Filippo, Vincenzo Mangiacapre, Michele Di Giacomo, Valter Fiorucci, Endri Spahiu, Matteo Modugno and Emanuelle Leo. The rest of Dolce&Gabbana Italia Thunder is an international contingent of Branimir Stankovic (Serbia), Charly Suarez (The Phillippines), William Mc Laughlin (Ireland), Michel Maurice Tavares (France), Abdelhafid Benchabla (Algeria), Bojan Miskovic (Croatia) and Tony Victor James Yoka (France).

Competing against Dolce&Gabbana in group B this season will be the new franchise 'British Lionhearts', German Eagles, Ukraine Otamans, Astana Arlans Kazakhstan and USA Knockouts. Dolce&Gabbana Italia Thunder will face the 'German Eagles' on their first meeting on the 17th November and will surely face stiff competition from opponents the 'British lionhearts' who are supported by the Boxing Association of England, Scotland and Wales when they come up against each other on 23rd November.

The match format has changed as well with each bout made up of three five-minute rounds instead of the usual three which will make for a more entertaining spectacle as the concept looks to increase on it's international success over the last two seasons.

Dolce&Gabbana Italia Thunder are the most successful outfit in the whole competition and this year enjoy the full backing and support of the Italian luxury brand full name sponsors. As the competition grows in stature so too do the opposition, but Italia Thunder are growing too and with training already well under way Thunder's backroom staff and technical coaches are more than confident the Thunder will be challenging for this season's final.

By Hugo Mc Cafferty