Mandurah boxer Jackson England will step into the ring as a professional fighter for the first time next month.
Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who were both professional boxers, England said he was thrilled to keep the tradition alive.
“It feels great. I’ve been working hard training and fighting in the amateurs for the last four or five years so to get the reward is fantastic,” he said.
“Both dad and his dad were well-known fighters in Australia, but I’m hoping to go a bit further and be one of the best in the world.
“I know I’ve got fairly high expectations but our family is a boxing family and you always want to push yourself as far as you can go.”
The 19-year-old, who trains at Onyx 24/7 in Cockburn, said he felt great ahead of his professional debut.
“I feel like I’ve been training really well and sparing with some quality guys ahead of the fight,” he said.
“I’ve always said the fight is the easy part. It’s the promotion and the training that goes into it that’s the hard part so I’m glad that’s all gone really well so far.
“To be honest I’m just stoked I’ve been able to make the dream happen and now it’s about taking it even further.”
England started boxing in Mandurah after his family moved from Sydney.
The talented fighter returned to the New South Wales capital for a training stint before taking time off to let his body rest.
“I think I just needed some time out to let my body relax. I’d been training really hard for a long time and just needed some time away from the ring,” he said.
“When I came back I was pretty determined to take it further and make sure I could go pro.
“Signing that first contract was something special for me.”
England’s first opponent is yet to be made certain, but the Mandurah-based youngster is eager to take to the ring.
“There have been three or four guys offer to fight so we’re just working out who it will be at the moment,” he said.
“I think either way I’ve just got to go out and put in the best performance I can.
“I fell well-placed for it, and I’ve done everything I can do for the preparation.”
England’s debut will be on Friday, May 5 at Metro City.