'I'm relaxed, but keen to impress'

PUNCHING POWER . . . Danny Wright is gearing up for professional bow

TYPICALLY laid-back, Failsworth boxer Danny Wright is not feeling any heat whatsoever as he continues his preparations for his professional debut later this month.

Wright (20) enjoyed a stellar amateur career under the tutelage of Middleton-based trainer Ben Lancaster, winning national titles and international caps before he opted to join the paid ranks this summer.

He has linked up with manager/promoters Steve Wood and Frank Warren, and his pro debut will now happen on Wood's VIP Boxing Promotions show at the Bolton Whites Hotel (adjacent to Bolton Wanderers FC's Macron Stadium) on Saturday, October 22.

"I can't wait for the fight now," said Wright, who will contest a four-round, light-welterweight contest, against an as-yet unnamed opponent.

"To be honest I've trained so well I'm ready for it now.

"I've had some great sparring, including with British champion Tyrone Nurse, and I feel great.

"It has been a bit different to the amateur days.

"If anything I'm feeling less pressure for this fight than I did when maybe preparing to represent Great Britain or for a major final.

"I feel quite relaxed about the whole thing, though having said that, I desperately want to impress on October 22.

'PERFORMANCE'

"After all the hard work and training I've put in, I need to be putting on a good performance on my pro debut."

Providing Wright comes through his debut fight with no unwelcome dramas, he is then hoping to step back into the ring on at least a couple more occasions this side of Christmas.

He added: "Steve (Wood) has promised to keep me busy once my debut is out of the way.

"In fact I'd like to think I can get three more fights in before the end of the year.

"There has been mention of me getting on the next Terry Flanagan world title fight undercard - a Frank Warren promotion.

"That would be brilliant so let's hope everything goes well on October 22 and then we'll have to see what happens."

Wright is confident that he'll have a sizeable army of fans cheering him on at Bolton.

His camp are currently organising coach travel to the fight and only general entry tickets remain available. All of Wright's ringside allocation has been sold.

To purchase a £30 ticket, contact Wright on 07712 592105.

Matty Askin's British and Commonwealth title eliminator tops the bill at Bolton.

There is a 10-fight undercard, with seven boxers making their debuts.