Kal Yafai is looking forward to getting back in the ring on Saturday night as he continues his transition from the amateur ranks.
Top amateur looking to make waves in paid ranks
Kal Yafai is looking forward to getting back in the ring on Saturday night as he continues his transition from the amateur ranks.
Yafai, who narrowly missed out on a place on the London 2012 squad, made an impressive debut when he stopped veteran Delroy Spencer in July.
The 23-year-old bantamweight gained vast experience in a GB vest, including at the Beijing Olympics, but he says the switch to the paid ranks has been a comfortable one.
"It was a great experience for me," he told
Sky Sports following his Sheffield debut. "It was a weird one because I've had 170 amateur fights and I've got to say I've never felt so comfortable in a boxing ring.
"I tried hard to get him out of there, which I obviously wanted. But once the fight was over I was a bit gutted because I wanted to savour the experience.
"I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the next one.
"He doesn't get stopped very often, so to stop him it sends out a statement. It shows I can punch a bit for a little guy."
Busy
Yafai is one of a number of young fighters set to be keeping busy over the next few months as part of Matchroom's burgeoning stable of future stars.
It is a great opportunity for them to soak up the big-fight atmosphere and Yafai is relishing the chance to perform in front of large audiences.
"It's all about being busy, and being active as much as possible and Eddie (Hearn) has delivered on that," he added.
"I want to go all the way. I want to be as big as Carl Froch is now and win world titles. If I can win them in as many weights as possible then why not.
"I know that some of these South Americans are really tough, but then again so am I."
Yafai admits he was gutted to miss out on a place at the Olympics but, after a spell in the doldrums, has moved on.
Pressure
"I was devastated. I felt like I was depressed, sitting around my apartment for weeks," he said. "To be honest I didn't feel any pressure - I deal with pressure really well but it just wasn't meant to be. That door closed and another one opened shortly after.
"I was fine about it (the Olympics). I was there to support the lads and wanted them and the girls to do the best they can. I'm in a beautiful place and just happy to be where I am.
"I just had to take my time and be patient and make sure I made the right decision and I'm fully aware that I have."
Yafai will take on Hungarian Richard Voros on Saturday's night's 'London Calling' bill at Alexandra Palace.
