JAY HUGHES READY TO LEARN THE PROFESSIONAL TRADE ON MARCH 26th

Jay Hughes is the latest boxer to turn professional out of David Binns’ highly esteemed gym in Peterlee.

At the age of 18 many would have expected Hughes to remain in the amateur set-up for a longer period of time – especially considering his success in reaching the ABA schoolboy finals.

However the teenager felt disillusioned with the selection process in the unpaid ranks and feels the professional game is his true calling.

“Everyone is already picked out for the GB squad and with that there is not much chance of me making the team for the Olympics in four years time.

“There are people who have already been selected to box at the next Olympics after Rio, so I thought why not turn professional now. Ultimately everyone who does boxing wants to turn pro.

“It’s a totally different sport but it suits me better. In the amateurs it’s about picking punches and being light on your feet, while in the pros you have to plant your feet and be able to fight for more rounds – which suits me as I get better as the rounds go on.”

In making his debut on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre, Hughes becomes the youngest professional boxer in the North East. While that may be daunting, he has looked to the achievements of Tommy Ward as inspiration.

“If you do everything properly you can’t go wrong. It’s about building up slowly and not getting ahead of yourself. Tommy Ward turned professional at 18 and is now pushing for a British title. He’s built his way up and is now mandatory to face Jazza Dickens - it shows that it can be done.”

By training at David Binns’ gym in Peterlee, the lightweight prospect joins a star-studded lineup that includes some of the best professional boxers on Wearside.

“It is brilliant to train with them. There is Glenn Foot, Darren Richardson and Warren Baister. It motivates me to see what they’ve achieved and then train alongside them."

The teenager added: “I have plenty of time. I am only 18 and have many years to come. For 2016 I am hoping to fight as much as possible. Fighting on shows is important, but all the hard work is done in the gym and for now I just want to concentrate on learning the trade.”

Fighting Chance Promotions host ‘Genesis’ – a night of professional boxing show on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre. The bill includes an array of North East talent, including Jon-Lewis Dickinson, Glenn Foot, Josh Leather, Jone TK and Mark White amongst others. 

Tickets can be purchased from any of the boxers on the bill or from www.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk