AFTER only two years of amateur fighting, Bere Alston boxer Des Newton has been signed as a professional.

Managed by Olympic gold medalist Mick Bromby, who is also the coach of Olympic gold medalist, Luke Campbell Des has signed with promoter Errol Johnson.

Having trained with Scott Dann and Jim Davidson — a retired GB coach who has worked with famous boxers Amir Khan, James DeGale and Antony Ogogo — Des said he thought he had made the best decision signing with Errol.

Des, aged 27 and who worked as a carpenter, trains at the Plympton Amateur Boxing Club, said: ‘I am extremely delighted to be signing as a professional boxer. The support I have had from my wife, child and friends has been instrumental in my success in the sport.

‘I’ve boxed for two years as an amateur and became a national champion and silver medallist at the Haringey Boxcup in the light welterweight division.

‘My trainers are Scott Dann, who as a professional himself was British and Common-wealth champion, his brother Barry Dann and a retired GB coach Jim Davidson, who has trained many boxing icons in the sport today.

‘I came to the sport late but I feel that I have the desire to achieve a lot in professional ranks. To fight for a British title would be a dream come true and to emulate the career my trainer had would mean the world to me. It’s massive, however I will strive to achieve this great fete. I want to become the most successful boxer at lightweight to ever have come out of the South West.’

Des’s wife Jessie told the Times: ‘He had a few offers from different people but he spoke to everyone he knows and they all think he has made the best decision for him by choosing Errol.

‘I am definitely very proud and he can’t wait to get in there and fight! Especially because it is in Plymouth and has had so much support from local people and sponsors.

‘Boxing used to be massive around here and I think it is coming back around – there are quite a few really good professionals in the area. It is funny because he was told years ago when he started as an amateur that his style would suit professional boxing!’

Des’ first fight as a professional is on April 8 in Plymouth.