BOXING star Josh Adewale believes now is the right time to make the move from amateur to professional and he is confident he will now be taken more seriously.

Adewale, 24, will make his professional debut at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Friday 26th October, and he explained he has already learnt a lot under new management.

The Cippenham-based star told the Observer: “I felt I had enough of the amateur game. It was my birthday last weekend and I think now is a good time to turn professional.

“My fighting style is more suited to the professional game. There are more rounds and it’s at a slower pace, so there’s more time to think and hurt people more.

“I think I would have achieved more in the amateur game, but I’ve wanted to turn professional for ages, My friends told me its is a marathon and not a sprint so I had to be patient.

“I think I’m with the best management team, that also have people like Billy Joe Saunders, Tyson Fury and Carl Frampton, so I'm definitely confident.”

Commenting on the changes to his training, Adewale said: “Things are completely different and have been for a few months now.

“I've been sparring in Barking and West Ham, both East London, and it's a lot harder.

“I feel like I'm being taken more seriously. I think people do not take amateur boxing seriously and don't give it the impression it should have.

“The learning curve is massive and I've been learning a lot. I'm fitter and better for it, so I've improved a lot.”

On his debut next month, he added: “There are a few big names on the card and it is being televised on box nation.

“There are always nerves I guess but I box better under pressure. I've had a lot of things to sort out but I'm excited.

“I just want to get the win and will not be looking for the knockout, but if the opportunity comes I will take it.”

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