Wright now ready to hit pro ranks

SIGN HERE . . . Danny Wright with Steve Wood (left) and trainer Ben Lancaster

FAILSWORTH-based boxer Danny Wright is chomping at the bit after deciding to turn professional.

Wright (20) has enjoyed a glittering amateur career under the tutelage ­- from day one ­- of Middleton trainer Ben Lancaster.

His boxing CV is packed with prestigious achievements, including national junior ABA title wins, a junior Great Britain title, three international tournament victories, a senior ABA title success and seven appearances for England (he won six of those bouts).

Now, though, the next step for the hugely talented Wright is to turn to the paid ranks in an attempt to build a successful professional career.

He has signed a three-year joint management contract with locally based Steve Wood ­- head of VIP Boxing ­- and legendary big-time promoter Frank Warren.

Wright, who is set to make his pro debut in Manchester in October as a light-welterweight, told the Chronicle: "I'm buzzing. I can't wait for October now.

"I'll be fighting on a Steve Wood show on October 22, then hopefully a little further down the line Frank can get me on some bigger bills.

"The plan is to start with a few four-rounders, then as I get more experience I'll move up through six- then eight-rounders.

"Hopefully in a year or two I can be thinking about an area title and then who knows after that?

"I just feel I'm perfectly suited to the professional side of boxing.

"I'm an entertaining fighter and I reckon people will want to pay to come and watch me box.

"The lifestyle, my style of fighting ­- everything I've got is geared up to turning professional."

As for sticking with trainer Lancaster at his Middleton gym, Wright didn't need to think too much about that decision.

He added: "Ben has always been great for me. We've been through everything together.

"The plan was always to stick with him to be honest, that was a real no-brainer, as they say.

"There's no better coach around in my opinion, so we're just going to continue the journey."

Although Wright is hoping his pro career will eventually turn into a major title-winning success of course, he is still on the look-out for sponsorship throughout the early stages of the aforementioned journey.

He is still studying hard at university, with two years of his sports science degree course to go.

Wright would love to hear from any potential sponsors. If anyone out there may be in a position to get involved, they can email Wright at daniel_wright29@hotmail.co.uk.