IVER boxing sensation Naylor Ball was in a different class when marking his professional debut with a knockout win at York Hall in London.

Ball, 19, needed just 63 seconds of the first round to beat Latvian Olegs Lopajevs - who went down three times in the fight - but the heavyweight knows the sport is a marathon and not a sprint.

Ball told the Observer: “I’m just out to get some experience at the moment. Boxing is a long journey but you’ve got to start somewhere.

“I was in a different class but you can only beat what is put in front of you and you’re not going to get much better than that for a debut.

“I’ve been working hard for it (professional debut) all the time and have finally got there. I was emotional but in a good way. I was really looking forward to it and excited more than anything else. I sold over 200 tickets so had a lot of support there and they were very impressed.”

Ball added: “I trained for the full four rounds. I trained hard but if the knockout came, it came.

“I didn’t expect it to be that easy but I caught him with a proper shot. I caught him flush and he just couldn’t handle it.”

Ball opened the show at York Hall, which is always a daunting task, and especially after a hard last 10 days for the young boxer.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO - Naylor Ball: “I was in a different class but you can only beat what is put in front of you and you’re not going to get much better than that for a debut."

An oversight of paperwork by the British Boxing Board of Control meant his team were on the edge of their seats frantically trying to clear up an issue with his license.

Ball came out for the first round looking strong and composed. He has fast hands, accuracy and punches hard,and he connected with a stiff jab and good right which wobbled his opponent.

Sensing Lopajevs was hurt, Ball pushed forward and quickly went for the finish. Lopajevs went down and, after rising to his feet, was caught with a terrific body shot which almost cut him in two.

He went down again and slowly got back up, but the fight was over. Ball pushed forward and after his opponent went down again, the referee stopped the fight.