CHARD’S only professional boxer is raring to go ahead of his debut bout at London’s prestigious York Hall in October.

Paul Roberts, who turns 22 next month, became professional earlier this year after over 50 fights in a distinguished amateur career.

Explaining how it all began, Roberts said: “My Dad [Keith] used to train in a club in Frimley and I used to go down and watch him, all the time thinking ‘I want to do this myself’.

“We moved down here after that and we owned a pub - Dad was training me in the skittles alley!

“As soon as I turned 11, I went to a club in Bridport and started fighting at the age of 12. 

“I had three fights with them and then we started our own club in Chard nearly 10 years ago.”

Reflecting on his highlights to date, he said: “I got to the national finals in 2012 and fought up at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

“I lost to Calum French, who has just got a bronze in the World Championships. I have also boxed Luke McCormack and fought for England against Wales, when I lost very marginally to Joshua John, now a European gold medallist.”

Describing himself as an “aggressive, go forward fighter” who looked up to Ricky Hatton as a youngster, Roberts is now eager to showcase his talents when he steps into the ring for his first professional bout on October 14.

He said: “I am feeling confident going into it.

“I want to just get in there and show how competitive I’m going to be at this super bantamweight division - I want to be aiming for British title fights within the next three years.”

Paul has the opportunity to be the poster boy for the Chard, Ilminster & District Amateur Boxing Club, which has gone from strength to strength since its formation a decade ago.

Founder Keith Roberts said: “There is unbelievable interest, with 25-30 kids in every night

“We have more carded boxers than all the Taunton clubs put together and more Western Counties champions than anyone in Bristol and Somerset. 

If you’d like to support Paul in the capital, call him on 07748774039 for ticket information.