Promising local boxers Nick Blackwell and Liam Richards will make their professional debuts next month in Melksham.

Blackwell, 18, of Trowbridge, and Liam Richards, 22, from Melksham, recently made the move to the professional ranks after conquering the EBF semi-professional and unlicenced levels.

The pair signed with manager PJ Rowson and promoters First Team, who have one of the largest boxing stables in the country, after impressing in sparring at Wednesbury Professional Boxing Gym in the West Midlands.

They will make their pro bows on June 26 in a fight night at the Christie Miller Sports Centre, in Bowerhill, Melksham.

Mark Kent, their licenced professional trainer, is now getting the starlets ready for their debuts with some intensive training, including sparring with Swindon’s unbeaten former Amateur Commonwealth champion Jamie Cox.

Kent said: “They are running every morning and in the gym every night. The boys are in the best condition they have ever been in.

“Along with the increase in power, speed and skill these boys are on their way to the top.

“They’ve been sparring with seasoned pros in Birmingham and giving them major problems and now the two are looking to go over to Swindon to spar with unbeaten professional Jamie Cox, who has had 11 wins.

“Jamie is one of the best up and coming boxers we have in this country and this will be great training for the lads.”

Blackwell and Richards train at The Contender Gym in Trowbridge and anyone is welcome to drop in and watch them training for their big fight night.