Tommy Ghent goes back to basics

Coseley's Tommy Ghent has gone back to basics to get ready for his long-awaited professional debut at the Tower Ballrooms in Birmingham.

The welterweight prospect, signed to Hayemaker Promotions, steps into a pro ring for the first time against Luton's Gavin Putney on a Dave Coldwell-promoted bill next Friday night.

The highly-rated teenager, who turned 19 this month, represented his country and won two national titles as an amateur, the Golden Gloves and NACYP - National Association of Clubs for Young People - titles.

His turn to pro will attract attention but Ghent has still found the time to train with the beginners at his amateur club, Priory Park in Dudley, for their exhibition show at Baggeridge Social Club, Lower Gornal, tomorrow.

When Ghent was in their shoes in the late 1990s, among his trainers were Dudley duo Darren McDermott and Robert Wright, who challenged for British and Commonwealth titles as professionals.

Ghent never forgot the time they put into him when he started out and, over a decade down the line, believes it's only fair to do the same for the club's newest crop of talent.

He said: "I am always popping in to see how they are doing, I started boxing when I was seven and, in 12 years, there has been some good memories.

"They look up to me but isn't all about me, it's about showing other people the things I have learned, so they can benefit from it.

"If I can put something back into the club, I will be happy."

He's not the first from the Ghent family to make the jump from amateur to professional boxer - older brother Richard turned over in 2008 and won an International Masters welterweight title last year.

Big brother is on a break from the sport and left Tommy the beginners class, which he was training, when he went to work abroad for the summer.

The younger Ghent has his own preparations to consider as well and has found there has been a transitional phase from unpaid to paid fighter.

He said: "Training for a professional fight is a lot harder, more technical and, bizarrely, a lot slower.

"It's frustrating, as well, when you are used to a fast pace as an amateur and you have got to slow down for the pros, but we are getting there.

"By the time I am 22 or 23, I want a British title. I am going to work hard in the gym and, hopefully, I will get to where I need to go.

"It would be out of this world, a national amateur title is nothing like having a British title around your waist."

Boxing fans can attend tomorrow's beginners show at Baggeridge Social Club and pay on the door, admission is £10 but kids go in for free. Doors open at 12pm, with the first bell at 12:30pm.

Tickets for Ghent's professional debut can be purchased by calling 07799 456 400.