Great Lever super welterweight boxer, Peter Booth, won on his professional debut by first-round knockout, beating David Chapman over four rounds on a Middlesbrough show organised by BIBA, the British and Irish Boxing Authority.
It is just the start the 19-year-old, who works as a floor manager at McDonalds and trains at Metro ABC, in Tonge Moor, with Tommy Battel.
But life is not so straightforward for the teenager, managed by former world champion Lee McAllister, who lives with Crohn’s disease.
Booth said: “It hasn’t stopped me chasing the ambition of becoming a world champion.
“The bout went well. We stuck to our game plan and executed it brilliantly.
“This experience taught me a lot about the importance of preparation and staying focused.
“I’m now looking forward taking on any fight that comes my way.”
Boxing from age six, Booth’s amateur career highlight was winning the North West Regional Championships and the MTK Box Cup in 2019.
The former student of Little Lever High School, who has a sports science diploma, said he decided to turn pro after the 2023 senior championships with, like any boxer, the eventual goal of becoming world champion and emulating his hero Joe Clalzaghe.
He added: “Boxing has been my love and passion since a young age and the dedication and commitment needed has kept me on the straight and narrow over the years.
“I enjoy every aspect of the sport, including early-morning runs and constant intense training sessions.
“I’ve always admired former world champion Joe Calzaghe for his dedication in training, his skills and blistering speed in the ring.
“I try to incorporate some of his style when I box and hopefully, like Calzaghe, I will remain undefeated.”
All aspiring professionals face the challenge of selling fight ticket sales and Booth went on: “I sold to family and friends for my debut but I’m keen to build a local fan base.
“I hope that the Bolton people will get behind me as I progress in my career.
“At home, it’s a full house with my mum, dad, brothers, sisters, a bunch of pets - a duck, three parrots, three dogs, a snake, and even a mouse.
“Family means the world to me and I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done to help me in my boxing - especially my dad who has ferried me around the country and never missed a fight.”
Booth’s priority is boxing, but he uses time fishing to reflect.
“I also love socialising with family and friends,” he added. “I’m a chatty person easily making conversation, especially about my boxing.”
* Individuals or companies who may want to sponsor Booth should contact him via his Facebook page or by calling 07778 190579.
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