Holland ready for professional ring challenge

TOOWOOMBA boxer Billy Holland is set to make his pro boxing debut next Saturday night.

BOXING : The next step in Billy Holland’s climb up the boxing ladder arrives next Saturday night when he makes his much anticipated professional debut.

After almost four years spent learning his craft in the amateur ranks Holland progresses next week to face Ash Benson at Rumours International.

His bout features on the TGW & Smithy Bring The Big Fights 24 bill headed by Steve Spark’s IBF Australasian super lightweight title fight with James MacDonald.

Twenty-two-year Holland has eyed a move to professional boxing since walking into TGW & Smithy’s Gym as an 18-year-old looking to follow his grandfather into the sport.

“My pop used to box in Jimmy Sharman’s tent and boxing has always been in my blood,” Holland said

“My mum always thought I might become a boxer.

“I did nothing before starting out an 18-year-old but the whole reason I began boxing was to one day turn pro.

“I’m feeling really good about my first fight.

“I’ve been training hard for the last 12 weeks and really concentrating on things like diet and my weight.

“Toowoomba has turned out so many champions and I’ve always looked up to Jamie Hilt for the way he has worked hard and what he’s achieved.

“For me it’s one fight at time to start with but it’s pretty exciting.”