James Scarrott is wasting no time in introducing himself to pro boxing only months after becoming eligible for the paid ranks.
His date with destiny comes when BCB Promotions stage another show at the Venue, in Dudley, with a Friday fight night set for June 17.
British Boxing Board of Control rules state that no fighter can turn professional before the age of 18, which Scarrott became on December 22 of last year.
But the teenage welterweight appears to be maturing in life, as well as the ring, having already become engaged to and living with his fiance Milly.
As a self-employed landscape gardener, Scarrott is able to juggle employment with his boxing training, which follows on from his amateur background.
He’s previously racked up 30 bouts, with 18 wins among them and area honours claimed in the England Schools, Junior (twice) and Youth Championships.
That was representing hometown outfit Worcester City Boxing Club, who he last featured for in a second Youth Midlands decider, where he lost to Lewis Lawton on a split decision.
The result convinced Scarrott that now is the time to punch for pay, despite never having engaged in a senior amateur encounter, never mind a pro contest.
He said: “I think I can do much better, as a pro, and my goal is to get down to super lightweight and win the British title but, for now, I’ll be at welter.
“As soon as I turned 18, I wanted to go pro. I felt like I’d done all that I could, in the amateurs, although I was tempted to have a go at the seniors.
“I’ve never boxed without a headguard on, in a competitive fight, so I’ve chucked myself in the deep end, but I’ve trained and sparred with pros for a while now.
“Adam Harper is a good friend of mine and I want some of the experiences that he’s had. He only lives about 20 minutes down the road and we go running together.
“I’m a come forward pressure fighter, but my defence is one of the best things about me. I get hit a lot less than my opponent, with my movement when slipping shots.
“I’m looking forward to my debut, but there’s a part of me that just wants it done and then to jump straight on to the next one. I want to be busy.
“Anyone who tells you that they are not nervous, before a fight, either need to go and see a doctor or they are lying. I box better when I’m under pressure, though.
Tickets for the Venue bill are available, priced at £40 standard or £75 VIP ringside with buffet, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com.
