James Scarrott is growing up quickly after voicing his intentions of becoming a champion in the pro ranks sooner rather than later.
His journey continues when BCB Promotions return to the Eastside Rooms, on Woodcock Street in Birmingham, as part of Saturday’s fight night (July 30).
The teenage super lightweight is still aged only 18, but has a wise head on young shoulders, after turning pro at the earliest possible age.
In the ring, he has a decent amateur grounding of 30 bouts, representing Worcester City Boxing Club in his hometown, a run which took him to the end of last year.
He claimed area honours in the England Schools, Junior (twice) and Youth Championships, due to the 18 wins amassed, but went pro before reaching senior level.
Outside of the sport, Scarrott is a self-employed landscape gardener and already engaged to be married, living with his fiance Milly.
He made his pro debut only last month, on June 17, and encountered little resistance in downing Dean Wilkinson, rolling over him by a 40-36 points whitewash, after four rounds.
Scarrott is hoping to be considered for a shot at an area crown, before he leaves his teenage years, so knows there will be little room for error going forward.
He said: “I’ve been training harder, to take my game to the next level, and I’ve had a lot more sparring which, to me, is the most important thing.
“I was pleased with my debut. In fact, I thought I boxed very well. My opponent was alright and if I’d let him get on top, he would have tried.
“There was natural pressure that I was able to put him under, he’d throw shots and I’d be there to counter them. I like to put the pressure on, but I’m really a counter puncher.
“I want to be going for a Midlands title next year, so it’s important to stay busy. I’m still getting used to being a pro, but I’d take a six-rounder now.
“I’m taking it one step at a time and there’s no rush but, at the same time, I don’t want to be boxing journeyman for too long either.
“I want stoppages, too, and I believe I’ve got the power to do it. I wobbled my last opponent in the second, third and fourth round, but he kept grabbing and holding me.
“I need to remember to pick my shots a bit more and wait for openings, rather than trying to force them. I’ve shown what I can do before.
“I remember, as an amateur, going to Ireland and boxing a seven-time national champion (Charles McDonagh). I knocked him out in the third round, so I can do it.”
Tickets for the Eastside Rooms bill are available, priced at £40 standard or £75 VIP ringside with buffet, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com.
