RADCLIFFE super- featherweight Scott Rice steps into the ring for his first professional fight at Manchester Velodrome on Saturday, March 12.

The 22-year-old has spent the last eight years as an amateur, winning 18 of his 24 bouts.

The former Radcliffe Dynamics ABC man won national titles at the under-10 and under-20 fight categories before moving to the VIP gym in Astley, under the guidance of Bobby Rimmer.

Rice, who does not yet know who his opponent will be, describes his own style as orthodox and aggressive. He said: “I like to move round the ring and stay relaxed and wait for my opportunities to strike.”

Rice is also a Manchester University business management student and is intending to combine his career as a boxer with his studies.

He spends two hours a day training in Astley, then swims and saunas at the Bury DW gym before running up to five miles a day.

“I am looking forward to my maiden fight as a pro – I can’t wait,” added Rice. Tickets are available by calling him on 07799 694169.