GEORGE Jago believes he has what it takes to be a champion boxer after marking his professional debut with a win against Mario Petrov at York Hall.

Jago, 18, made a successful transition from the amateur ranks to stop the Bulgarian inside four rounds at the iconic London venue, despite his opponent only being confirmed a week before the fight.

The Farnham Royal-based ace backed himself to win but had to overcome pre-fight nerves, and is now looking at bigger and better things in the future.

“I was confident because I was training so hard and for so long in camp,” he told the Observer. “I was confident in the fitness I had and of winning.

“I watched a couple of videos on my opponent. He is a switch-hitter which means he can box southpaw or orthodox.

“I’m good with either and I like it when people switch because it makes you think more. It’s very clever what they do and messes up your mind, but I’m confident fighting all styles.

“I knew I had to stick to the gameplan which was to box him and not get involved in a war because he a man and a lot older than me. I like a war but I had to box on the front foot and pick my shots.

“I won the first two rounds and the third easy when I cut him. When I cut him again in the fourth round the fight was over.

“My performance was good because he was a very decent opponent. I thought I could have boxed a little bit better, but it was my first fight and I had a few concerns and nerves.

“Everyone was happy with my performance and really enjoyed it.

“There are a few things to work on so I will watch the video, go back to the gym, and go through what I did wrong.”

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Farnham Royal-based star George Jago (right) beat Bulgarian Mario Petrov inside four rounds in his professional debut.

Jago added: “I would like to go for the Southern Area title first after 8-10 fights.

“After 15, I can go for the English title and if you defend it three times it’s your forever.

“I would like to challenge for the British title and defend that too. I believe in myself and am confident that I can definitely do it. I train hard enough.

“There are no fights for me at the minute but I’m happy to bide my time, improve, and fight better people each time.”

The rising star already has the ardent support of his father, Mark Jago.

He said: “I’m proud of George. For a debut fight it was all you could ask for and showed what level he and the opposition are at.

“He was thrown into the deep end but proved he has the ability for this level. He won the fight comfortably against one of the toughest fighters on the night, and everyone was very impressed.

“I believe George can win the Southern Area title and, by the time he is 21, definitely fight for a British belt. That is where I would like him to be.

“You’ve got to have high aspirations because he has such a good amateur pedigree. He is dedicated to the sport and had a great attitude. The word professional means professional to him.

“There is no money in it early on, so unless you have the ability to carry on it’s not worth doing.

“We will see what promoter George goes with because they will decide where and when he fights but, if her could box in Slough, he would probably jump at the chance.”