By Ryan Burton
Former Team Great Britain amateur standout Jack Bateson is very excited to be making his pro debut this Friday. The fight will take place in his hometown of Leeds.
The flyweight prospect is enjoying the transition to the pro game and being able to have a full training camp to prepare for his fights in stark contrast to the on the fly nature of the amateurs.
"I am used to training camps from the amateur game with the GB boxing program and used to fighting on short notice so it was nice to get a good eight weeks notice. I have been able to prepare myself and bring my weight down nice and slowly. I am just looking forward to Friday night and doing the business," he explained.
Bateson's first opponent is the more experienced Zsolt Sarkozi (6-1-1). He isn't worried about the difference in pro experience as he is very confident that his superior amateur experience will out weigh anything that Sarkozi brings to the table.
"He is not an easy first contest but with my amateur background and my GB pedigree I feel like I will be ready for the fight. He has only boxed in Belgium and Hungary. The guy that beat him was Stephane Jamoye- who was a European champion and a world title challenger," Bateson told BoxingScene.com.
The 23-year-old Bateson will have tremendous support when he enters the ring on Friday. He expects the Leeds United FC Banqueting Suite to be rocking with his hometown fans.
"Where I am from, the city of Leeds in England, it is a really supportive crowd. I have sold just over 15,000 Pounds worth of tickets. I have 20 tables coming to watch me. It should be a great atmosphere. I am looking forward to starting a journey," said Bateson.
If all goes well Bateson will fight two more times in 2017 and is already penciled in to fight on October 21st at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.
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