KEITH Mayo is looking forward to seeing Danny Bharj finally make his professional debut.

The 25-year-old will make his bow in the paid ranks on Friday night on the World Awaits show at the Oasis Leisure Centre.

And his manager Mayo admits there were times that he didn’t think he would see this day arrive.

A talented amateur boxing out of the Walcot ABC gym and representing England, Bharj was tipped for the top when he made the decision to turn professional several years ago.

But the lightweight stepped away from the sport before deciding to finally returning to the gym last year.

And on Friday he will face Hereford’s Dean Evans as he sets off on his professional journey.

“I’m glad (Danny is finally making his debut), he has got so much to offer,” Mayo said. “He kept on saying I’ll let you know when I’m ready and that is all I heard for a couple of years, all of sudden he appeared and said that he was ready.

“He is looking good and training hard but there were times I didn’t think we would (see him make his debut).”

Bharj is one of five fighters from Swindon on the show on Friday night, with two more boxers – Eamonn O’Kane and Tariq Quaddus – based in the town.

And Mayo, who is putting the show on in association with Paddy Fitzpatrick, is excited by the line-up.

“Eamonn is a bit special,” he said. “He is ranked eighth in the world by the IBF and he will definitely add some excitement to the show.

“We’ve not had quite as many Swindon boys on a show before and it is something that I’ve wanted to do by having one with all Swindon lads on it - we are getting closer.”

There will be a public weigh-in at the Oasis Leisure Centre on Thursday night at 7pm for O’Kane and Luke Watkins and their respective opponents, followed by a final press conference.

There are still a few tickets left for the show. For more information visit www.kmpromotions.co.uk