Long-time Manx Amateur Boxing Club captain Danny Roberts has joined the sport’s professional ranks.

The Douglas man will now follow in the footsteps of dad Pete, who himself was professional between 1988 and 2002, signing up with Steve Woods’s Manchester-based VIP Promotions stable.

Roberts, whose swashbuckling style has made him a firm favourite with home fans, hopes he will have his first pro bout before the turn of the year.

Speaking about the move, he explanined: ’I’m 26 now and I’ve got friends who have turned pro and are winning titles and there’s lads that I have beat that are winning titles. Seeing them progressing has spurred me on to go and do it myself.

’I’ve got friends who are pros with them [VIP Promotions], while they’ve a few coaches that have just turned their lads over from amateurs.

’I got in touch with them and they were happy for me to join because of my record in the amateur ranks and after impressing in sparring on a visit to their gym.

’One of the VIP lads was on the bill at the recent Joseph Parker v Hughie Fury fight.

’Initially though it’s just about getting a few bouts under your belt and if the promoters are excited about what they see they’ll get you on undercards of the bigger fights.’

Roberts will work under new coaches and former pros Ian Harrison and Tommy Battel, but admits that won’t mean a move off island straight away:

’To start off with my plan is to stay in the island for the majority of the time and train here travelling to camps elsewhere at weekends.’

Talking about his training schedule, Roberts added: ’Monday to Friday I go running in the morning - either sprints or a longer six-miler.

’In the evenings I’m in the gym. On Thursdays and Saturday mornings I’m doing strength and conditioning work with Ben Carling up at Sports Performance.

’Sundays are my rest days, but I’ll still go for a swim or a sauna or something.

’The first few fights will probably be at super-welterweight which is 70-71kg, which is about 11 stone.

’After that I’ll try and move down to welterweight (67-68kg).

’Once I start training more it should be easier to do this.’

Most of Danny’s initial fights will take place in the north west of England although he admits that VIP Promotions are keen to bring back professional boxing to the island for the first time since the mid to late 1980s.

’We had a good chat with Steve and he was keen to come and see Manx ABC’s most recent show at the Villa Marina, but other commitments meant he couldn’t make it over.

’He’s seen video of it though and he was impressed with the venue. He’s hoping to get over soon to see it for himself with the hope of putting on a show over here sometime next year.’

Danny’s move was rubber-stamped by the British Boxing Board of Control thanks in large to his extensive and impressive amateur resume that saw him clock up 78 bouts.

Reflecting on the highlights of his long amateur career Roberts said: ’I was the first Manx boxer to go to a Commonwealth Youth Games, going to the 2008 Games in India. Ever since then boxers have gone to the Youth Games since then, so I’m quite proud of being the first.

’I’ve fought in Box Cups in Ireland and Denmark as well, winning gold in the latter. I enjoy those sort of competitions as everyone thrives off each other.

’I have to say though I loved going to the little legion clubs around the north west when I was younger. They’d be rammed packed and there’s nothing better than beating someone in their own backyard.’

Danny admits his dad’s passion for the sport rubbed off at an early age, but added a love for football nearly caused a falling out.

’When I was younger I did both boxing and football - I was in the FA’s school of excellence. Sometimes I’d sneak off and not go to the gym, going to footy training instead. I’d be there for about 20 minutes or so and my dad would turn up and take me back to the gym!

’Slowly I started taking the boxing more seriously, probably from about the age of 11 or 12.

’I’ve boxed continuously pretty much ever since apart from one spell when I had a year and a half off.’

Roberts, who helps coaches the youngsters as his home club, is hopeful he’ll inspire others to follow into the pro ranks in the future.

’There’s definitely the talent and the young lads coming through for more Manx boxers to turn pro as well.

’If I can make a bit of name for myself on the circuit hopefully boxing in the Isle of Man can get the credit and backing it deserves.’

L Danny would like to thank his boss at Sapphire Developments Anthony Killeen for all his support.