Chris Higgs is hoping to box at close to lightweight in his first few bouts

Lydney's Chris Higgs will box as a professional for the first time on Friday night.

The 21-year-old has a lightweight fight against Abdul Rashid from Manchester at Swindon's Oasis Centre.

He told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "I've got over 100 people coming along to support me and I've still got mates asking where they can get a ticket.

"The atmosphere is going to be amazing, and I've told them to get some songs ready for me because it gets me going."

Higgs, the 2005 Junior ABA champion, has had more than 80 bouts as an amateur, reaching the senior ABA semi-finals earlier this year. But he reckons the time is right to give the pro ranks a try.

"My boss lets me have two days off a week to go training in Bristol," he said. "I've told him I won't be in ahead of the fight so I can relax, get the right foods inside me and prepare.

"And I'm really looking forward to it."