HAVING set the amateur scene alight, Swindon’s Danny Bharj is looking to ignite the professional code when he makes his debut on Keith Mayo’s next promotion at the Olympiad Sports Centre in Chippenham on April 30, writes PETER FOLEY.

The 22-year-old lightweight claimed National Schoolboy and Junior ABA titles in the colours of the town’s Walcot gym and boxed for England at schoolboy, youth and senior level.

He had, at one stage, been looking to bid for a place on the 2012 London Olympic squad, but the offers to turn professional would not go away.

Bharj said: “There was always going to be that question about when was the right time to trade in the vest and who should I sign with?

“But events, somehow, seemed to have moved me in this direction.

“Signing with Keith (Mayo) had two obvious attractions - being able to box on shows in Wiltshire and linking up again with Islan Eltuyev, who had trained me as an amateur at the Walcot gym.”

Bharj had a year away from the ring, primarily to concentrate on his studies at New College in Swindon. But the time out also enabled him to make a full recovery from a series of injuries that had limited the number of contests in which he could box.

Bharj explained: “I had some problems with my hands, but that is behind me now and I’m fitter than ever.

“The time away also made me focus on what direction I should take, the year away probably saw me drop down the pecking order in the England squad and there was no guarantee that I could get back to the top.

“So now was the time to move on and I‘ll be 18 months into my professional career by the time the Olympics are staged in London.”

Bharj had hoped to have made his debut at Mayo’s MECA show in Swindon last month, but the necessary paperwork had not been completed in time. But he is philosophical about the delay to his debut in the paid ranks.

Bharj said: “Chippenham and Swindon are close together, so there is no travel problems for anyone who wants to see me box.”

He tackles Birmingham’s Sid Razak, a veteran of 68 previous fights, but does not seem daunted by the prospect.

Bharj added: “He’s tough and durable so will be a difficult opponent, but I’ve confidence in my own ability.

“There is no room for negative thoughts in this game.

“I’ve been getting used to longer durations in the ring, pacing myself and learning to be a bit more patient.

“But my overall style will not change that much, I like to switch stance during the course of a fight and that is an advantage I intend to continue.”

Kelvin Young, Noureddine Meddoune, Andrew McCaffrey and Melksham-based Swindonian Liam Richards join on the undercard.

Trowbridge middleweight Nick Blackwell tops the 10-fight card when he faces Latvian Sergejs Savrinovics.

Tickets for the April 30 Olympiad bill start at £30, with inner ringside £40 and a VIP package also available at £60. Contact Keith Mayo on 07789 890453.