TALENTED boxer Bradley Evans has fulfilled his sporting dream by turning professional – having been an amateur for just a year. The rapid rise of the 19 year old, who was boxing for Stevenage ABC, into professional boxing has seen him achieve six national

TALENTED boxer Bradley Evans has fulfilled his sporting dream by turning professional - having been an amateur for just a year.

The rapid rise of the 19 year old, who was boxing for Stevenage ABC, into professional boxing has seen him achieve six national finals and titles at NABC, Junior ABA and Four Nations level.

He has also represented England at every level from youth, under-19 and full senior.

However, his fledgling amateur career reached its pinnacle in May, with Evans lifting the senior ABA featherweight title at the famous York Hall - at the first time of trying.

It was such performances that caught the eye of promoter Mick Hennessy, who has since signed Evans to his Hennessy Sports stable.

Evans' stepfather and amateur coach Dave Blows said: "Everything is taking shape for Bradley, and I am really pleased for him - he's wanted this for a long time.

"We're really pleased that he's been signed by Hennessy Sports because Mick is one of the best promoters in the country.

"With his contacts, Bradley should get a lot of coverage. So it's a very exciting time for him. The hard work has already begun and he's been putting in a lot of graft as it's going to be a step up for him."

Providing Evans passes his medical examinations, he could return to Bethnal Green's York Hall and make his professional debut on the undercard of Darren Barker's televised Commonwealth middleweight title fight on Saturday, November 8.

However, if he cannot take part in that event, his debut could then come on the undercard of Carl Froch's super middleweight world title fight at the Nottingham Ice Rink in early December.

Blows continued: "Having coached Bradley for a while, I'm certainly going to miss working with him. But I knew this day would come because I knew just how good he was.

"Turning professional was the natural progression. A lot of people had talked about the 2012 Olympics, but that was always a long shot.

"It is four years away and there was no guarantee that he would be picked - so it seemed the best time to make the move.

"He's achieved everything he can at amateur level. The ABA title showed that he's got the talent - and I think that was the turning point for him. To win it in the first year was a major achievement and I suppose he had to go pro after that."

Evans himself said: "It's great news and I'm really excited about my first professional fight. This has always been my main goal, it's what I set out to achieve.

"I did all that I could at amateur level and winning the ABA title was a really proud moment and a good way to bow out.

"I want to test myself at a higher level. It's going to be tough, but I believe that I can do well and hold my own - and who knows, I might even win a professional title one day."

* Blows will be organising tickets and transport for Evans' first professional fight, so call 07908 544298 for further details.