Boxer Child turns pro and eyes British title

James Child, a 25-year-old super middle-weight, is determined to make the most of his opportunity after leaving the amateur ranks following six years in the sport.

As a teenager, Child was with Newcastle United Football Club, on their scholarship scheme for six months, before he turned to boxing and has not looked back since joining Brighton & Hove Boxing Team.

Child, who attended St Andrew’s School, is a hard-hitting south-paw, who has 20 wins from his 26 amateur fights, which includes 19 knock-outs.

He got into boxing after getting into trouble as a youngster and said: “I was always in quite a bit of trouble, the odd punch-up here and there and a lot of my friends said I should get into boxing.

“It’s a good discipline and I went to Hove because my mother knew my coach when she was younger. She sent me over there and I ended up sticking with it.

“It has helped me out. I’m a lot more disciplined and it’s taught me that you have to react to things a lot differently, so I’m a lot calmer now.

“I rarely ever go out because I don’t drink at all now. But I was never a heavy drinker as I’ve always been into my fitness and stuff.”

Child felt this was the right time in his career to turn professional and said: “I think amateur boxing is a different sort of boxing to professional. There is a lot of points scoring in the amateurs and some lads are more suited to the pros than they are the amateurs.

“I think it’s a case that you can get a good pedigree background as an amateur and win a lot, or you can decide when you’re ready to turn professional.

“As an amateur I didn’t do too badly. I was quite a heavy hitter, so I’m not suited to points scoring but, hopefully, it will be better as a professional.”

On his goals now, Child said: “First of all, I’ve got to build my record up to start off. But, within two to three years, I’d like to look at a British title shot or being a British champion and then, after that, anything’s a bonus, really.

“Every young lad aims to be a world champion and I’d definitely love that.”

Child, who is trained by former Shoreham-based professional Scott Welch, is set to have his first professional fight in July, and will then fight every six to eight weeks.