Carshalton fighter Ricky Boylan faces a big challenge on his professional debut at York Hall, Bethnal Green, on Saturday, October 30, writes Rio de Caro.

Boylan has been paired with tough Middlesbrough banger Phil Boyle on the undercard of George Groves’ Commonwealth title defence.

The 22-year-old signed professional forms following a controversial defeat to Marlon Mellish in the London ABA finals earlier this year.

“I am really looking forward to fighting on October 30,” said Boylan.

“George and I are friends from our amateur days so I am pleased to be on his show.

“I have been training for a while now so I am glad the date has finally come up. I am really ready for this.”

Boylan started as an amateur with Rosehill ABC before spending the past five years with Earlsfield ABC.

He is now managed and co-trained by Johnny Eames, assisted by Derek Grainger, at the Ultrachem TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town.

“I have been sparring with Ben Murphy a lot. I also sparred George Jupp and Marlon Mellish and have done a few rounds with Matthew Marsh, Dean Byrne, Pat McAleese and Daniel Herdman.

“It has been seriously tough sparring with good fighters and I am learning new things every day. It has had me improving all the time.

“Come October 30 I will be ready. I enjoy a tear up but if Phil Boyle wants to box, I will box.”

Despite more than 80 fights as an amateur, Boylan’s aggressive all-action style was not enough to win him a national title even though he got into five finals.

But he insisted: I think the pros will suit me a lot better than the amateurs did.

“It’s the style really - it’s all tip and tap and then run away. It just didn’t suit me. Being a pro will, as everyone will see on October 30.”

“Pretty Ricky” makes his pro debut at David Haye’s Haymaker Promotions’ It’s A London Thing event.

Other fights see Aylesbury’s Nathan Graham fight Craig Windsor Jr in a light-middleweight battle, while Bristol’s light-welterweight prospect Darren Hamilton locks horns with Grimsby’s unbeaten Kevin Hooper.

Unbeaten light-heavyweight Menay Edwards and Ultrachem TKO’s Daniel Herdman make up the rest of the card against yet to be named opponents.

Tickets, priced £35, are available on 07960 or at tkoboxoffice.com