Boxer Joe Smyth will make his professional debut at Everton Park Sports Centre on Friday, July 4.

The 23-year-old will appear on the undercard of the British Light Welterweight Championship between champion David Barnes and challenger Barry Morrison, which will be televised by Sky.

Smyth, who boxed as an amateur for Finchley ABC, will be competing in the light heavyweight division for the foreseeable future.

As an amateur, he won three national titles and two multi-nations gold medals.

He boxed for England 20 times and captained them on several occasions, including at the Junior World Championships.

His amateur career record amounted to 80 fights and 65 wins.

Smyth, who lives in Potters Bar, has not boxed for 18 months but feels very confident about his future.

He said: "I look forward to making my pro debut with relish. I cannot wait to start making a serious mark in the light heavyweight division."

Smyth follows in a long line of Finchley ABC boxers who have gone on to greater things, further enhancing its reputation as one of the country's most successful clubs.

He will be trained by St Albans trainer Paul Rees and managed by Jess Harding, who has managed and promoted boxers of the calibre of European champions Spencer Oliver, Esham Pickering, Nicky Cook, Olympic super heavyweight champion Audley Harrison and world champion Robin Reid.

And Harding believed Smyth had what it took to go just as far in the sport.

He said: "Joe's got a real chance of making a name for himself. He has the talent to go a long way and could reach the heights of Cook, Pickering and Oliver if he applies himself."