Doherty has plenty of confidence in his own ability

Tony Doherty embarks on a professional boxing career next month - and the feisty fighter has already set himself the ultimate goal.

"I want to be world champion. Simple as that," said the 19-year-old welterweight.

Doherty, born in Ireland but now living and training in Pontypool, has joined some of Britain's most exciting prospects at Frank Warren's stable.

He makes his professional debut on Thursday 8 May on the Junior Witter undercard at the Kingsway Sports Centre in Widnes.

Witter, the British, Commonwealth and WBU International light-welterweight champion is hoping for a grudge match against WBC champion Ricky Hatton.

The card will also feature 2002 Commonwealth Games light-middleweight silver medallist Paul Smith and lightweight bronze medallist Andy Morris.

The preparation has been going perfect so far Tony Doherty

"It's going to be a big one," said Doherty. "It's going to be shown on American television.

"Frank Warren will then take the three most impressive boxers to fight in the States.

"I would be great to go over there, because if you get your style recognised in America, you're going places."

Doherty's hopes of a Commonwealth Games medal in Manchester were ended by a nasty cut about his right eye.

He claimed a deliberate elbow from opponent Ali Nuumbembe of Namibia was to blame.

"I can't believe this outcome," Doherty said after the bout. "If the referee had seen it the guy would definitely have been disqualified.

"I've spent my whole career training for this and I was more than confident of winning a gold medal.

"They could at least have let me carry on for two more minutes. I've trained so hard and it's all gone down the drain."

Confident

But all thoughts of the Manchester injustice have now been forgotten as Doherty enters the professional game.

British boxing experts have already predicted a glittering career - and some have said Doherty will surpass even Joe Calzaghe's achievements.

The man himself certainly displays the kind of confidence needed to mix it with the best of them.

"I feel very strong, very fit," he told this website. "The preparation has been going perfect so far.

"The professional style will suit me because I'm a good mover and I've always had good head and upper body movement.

"So it'll be no problem for me."