Novice Pro Alex Montgomery excited as he finally turns pro on March 8th at Ravenscraig Sports Facility

At the age of 29, Alex Montgomery may been seen as a late comer to professional boxing ,however the Motherwell man insists that age ain’t nothing but a number “Ideally I would have turned over earlier, however I had work commitment's which meant I would be working away in London and Wales, and couldn’t give myself to the sport as much as I wanted to.

“Now I employed locally, which means I can be running in the morning and can be in the Gym every evening. I don’t feel its too late for me to turn over as I keep myself in good shape and I have had an extensive amateur career”. He adds “ Plus I am sick of hearing I could have done something as a professional boxer so if I give it my all at least I say I gave it a go.

As an amateur, the Motherwell based fighter who is also know as 'Ack Man' had many success which included two district titles and a Scottish title at Junior level, while he went one better as a Senior and picked up three district and one Scottish title, and enjoyed being kept busy as a fighter, something he hopes to continue in the paid ranks.

“Prospect boxing are a fresh and hungry company. I’ve sat down with Paul Graham (the owner) and we have worked out a plan. I explained that I want to be busy and will fight anywhere and Paul’s the best man for that job. I have seen how he has kept his stable ticking over with fights, and as a hungry fighter that is what you need.

“I was always a busy fighter and stopped two out the last three since I came back so I am hoping I can bring that form over the pro's and I hope maybe by this time next year am ready for a Scottish title if all goes well.

Prospect Boxing and Chris Gilmour present 'The Steel Men Return' an evening of Professional Championship Boxing at Ravenscraig Sports Facility on Friday March 8th. Headlined by Gary McCallum v Paul Allison for the Vacant Scottish Middleweight Title.

With a 10 fight under card it features Rhys Pagan, Mark Parvin, Sean Watson and Ryan Scott. Jordan McCorry, Darren McAdam, Mitch Prince and Martin Watson makes his pro debut in the Light Welterweight division while Alex Montgomery makes his debut in a Super Middleweight bout.

Tickets are priced at £30 (unreserved) and £40 (ringside) ,and further details are avail from www.prospectboxing.com and www.facebook.com/ProspectBoxing and @ProspectBoxing

Walsall’s Joel Ryan takes on Derby’s Luke Gallear for the vacant Midlands Area Welterweight Title at Burton Town Hall on Friday, 1st March.

Ryan (4-3) will be looking to make up for last time having not fought since his narrow points defeat to Chris Higgs for the British Masters Title last June. That was the 22 year-old’s only fight of 2012, having previously slipped to defeat at the fists of the then undefeated Chris Evangelou.

Gallear (4-4-2) is slightly more experienced and six years Ryan’s senior. The Bulldog had mixed fortunes himself last year, recording a victory over Jason Nesbitt in April before drawing with Matt Seawright in July and finishing the year with a loss against debutant Tony Dixon in December.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring,” Ryan told www.uko-boxing.com . “It’s been a while but I’ve been training hard and want to make the most of this chance.

“The Midlands Area Title is a nice belt to have and that’s what I’m in boxing for; to be seen as a good fighter and to win things. That’s what motivates me.

“I know a bit about Luke. He’s a decent boxer and people tell me he’s a nice lad. We’ll both be going for it, so it’s going to be a good fight.”

Also on the bill is hometown favourite, Tom Shaw.

The Burton Light Welterweight suffered a shock defeat against Mark McKray on the undercard of Frankie Gavin’s successful British Title defence at Walsall Town Hall last month.

Shaw went into the fight on the back of eight consecutive victories since turning professional in 2011.

McKray blotted his copybook with a first round knockout but now, back on homesoil, Shaw is determined to make an immediate return to winning ways.

“I’m buzzing to be back at Burton Town Hall,” added Shaw. “I’ve fought there twice before and won on both occasions.

“The McKray defeat was just a blip. He just caught me. I’m a young boxer and I’ll learn from it. I’m determined to bounce back and get the win.”

The undercard also features two intriguing battles.

Dudley prospect, Kyle Spencer (4-0), takes on Jimmy Price (0-0-1) in what will be the Swadlincote man’s second professional bout. The Light Middleweight pair are sure to put on a show.

Completing the Burton bill is the rematch between Tamworth’s Matt Seawright (3-69-4) and Exeter’s Faheem Khan (4-0-1). The pair locked horns back in November as Khan secured a controversial points victory over his more experienced opponent. And now, 34 year-old Seawright is looking to avenge that defeat.

“I thought I deserved a draw at least when we boxed before," he said. “I hit him with the cleaner punches and did a lot more work. I will have to beat him more decisively this time.”

Tickets for the Errol Johnson-Promoted Show are priced at £30 unreserved seating and £50 Ringside. They are available from Burton Town Hall Box Office on 0128 350 8547.

Doors open at 7.00pm with boxing commencing at 8.00pm.

Popular unbeaten light-middleweight, Jimmy ‘Kilrain’ Kelly, is promising a blistering hometown performance that will bring the boxing good times back to the Wythenshawe Forum on March 1, when he tops the bill on VIP Promotions’ first 2013 show.

The youngster, 20, a former five-time junior national champion and England international, headlines a card full of North West talent at the venue, which hasn’t hosted professional boxing for a number of years.  Jimmy is determined to do his bit to change that situation.

“To top the bill in my hometown is amazing,” stated Kelly, who had his first amateur bout aged 11.

“I’ve boxed there as an amateur but there hasn’t been professional boxing at The Forum for years, so to headline there in my first year as a pro is just a dream come true.

“I’ve got two good mates on the bill [Taz Apergis and Kofi Yates] who are also from Wythenshawe; between the three of us it should be a sell-out, and I’m looking forward to the atmosphere when we walk out [to the ring].

“It really is going to be a brilliant show.  Apart from us three, there are also a few other Manchester lads on, like [Middleton’s] Matthew Ryan, Jamie Brown and Liam Taylor who are very good and bring a  crowd.

“Cruiserweight Mike Stafford is also boxing and he’s a good fighter and pushing for a title, so there’s going to be some really entertaining fights.

"It’s going to be a great atmosphere, and fingers crossed this’ll become a good spot for pro boxing and we can get two or three shows here a year.  Hopefully we can bring boxing back here for good.

“I just feel really proud to be bringing it back to Wythenshawe and hopefully it’ll inspire some of the local lads to take up boxing.”

There are high hopes for Jimmy, who has won five, with three wins coming inside the distance.  A pro for just a year, it’s still early days but there are plenty of insiders who believe Kelly can go a long way in the sport.

Happy to accept the praise but with his feet firmly of the ground, for now the fledgling fighter just wants to keep busy, stay injury-free, and develop as a boxer.

“With me you get lots of action, because I’m a pressure fighter with a really entertaining style.  I’m  also really accurate with my punches and that’s how I’ve got my stoppages.

“At the minute I know it’s all about putting the hard work in and just being patient.  I’m happy to keep under the radar and keep learning before getting a title.

“By the end of 2013 though I want to have got another three or four six-rounders under my belt and have moved up to eight rounds.  By 2014 I’ll be looking to push on for a title.”

‘Wythenshawe Warriors’ will take place at the Wythenshawe Forum on March 1.  Headlining will be local fighters – Jimmy ‘Kilrain’ Kelly, Taz Apergis and Kofi Yates.  Also appearing will be Southport’s Mike Stafford, and Middleton’s Liam Taylor, Matthew Ryan and Jamie Brown.

Tickets, priced at £30 (General), £35.00 (Stage) and £50 (Ringside), are available from all boxers or at www.vipbe.co.uk

Keep updated on VIP Promotions’ news by visiting www.vipboxing.com or follow on Twitter @vipboxing.  Currently, you can also watch free fights at www.vipboxing.tv and on the VIP YouTube channel.