AMATEUR star Siôn Yaxley has his sights trained on boxing success after switching to the paid ranks with one of the UK's top promoters.

The 22 year-old from Pwllglas has turned professional and signed a three-year contract with Chris Sanigar in Bristol.

The former Dyffryn ABC stylist, trained by Wesley Jones in Colwyn Bay for seven years, is now aiming to make a dent in the super welterweight division.

He's already working hard in the gym as he prepares to make his debut at the Newport Centre on October 27.

“I'm looking forward to my first bout and delighted that I'm able to continue training with Wesley Jones at Dyffryn, who's helped me achieve my dream of turning professional,” said Siôn.

“Working with Chris and his team in Bristol is something I enjoy very much and it's a real learning curve as I get used to a new way of fighting and approaching the sport.

“That said, it’s an amazing opportunity I’m determined to grasp with both hands.”

He added: “I plan to train hard and make waves in this division; with this team behind me I’m confident I can go far.”

Still the Welsh amateur boxing champion at welterweight, Siôn was a latecomer to the fight game.

He laced up the gloves for the first time aged 14, before making quick progress and going on to win two novice titles, one youth championship, the Welsh title at senior level and a silver medal at the prestigious Tammer European Boxing Tournament in 2016.

He was narrowly pipped to a place on Wales’ boxing squad for the Commonwealth Games in Australia earlier this year and plans to put that behind him with a sparkling performance in Newport.

He’s achieved all of this while at school, college and then as a roofer with Edward Bros in Denbighshire, who are backing him as he works part-time to support the early stages of boxing career.

The only fighter in North Wales to speak Welsh, his debut will be aired live on S4C’s Bocsio programme.

“I’m looking at four fights a year with Sanigar Events and will continue to train right here in North Wales,” he said.

“I’m just excited to get in the ring now and begin the next chapter of my boxing story.”

Siôn is now hoping to hear from businesses who would like to offer financial support as he begins his new career.

“If any company would like to share my journey by sponsoring me, I would be very grateful to hear from them,” he said.

Tickets are priced from £35.

For more information, call 07856 611983 or visit westcountryboxing.com