Abingdon boxer Jake Guntert will make his professional debut next month.

The young middleweight is being managed by Frank Maloney, who guided Lennox Lewis to the undisputed world heavyweight title.

Guntert's first fight will take place on Friday, May 7 at The York Hall, Bethnal Green - the spiritual home of British boxing.

The 21-year-old is following in the footsteps of Daren Fifield, another product of Abingdon Boxing Club.

Fifield lifted the Commonwealth flyweight crown with Maloney ten years ago.

And Guntert is confident that he can also win a major title.

"I will not leave the pro game until I have won a title of some sort," he said.

"As an amateur I got to a number of finals, but didn't win any, and because of that I regarded that bit of my career as second best.

"I am not limiting my ambitions at this stage, and so I have got to think that I can go on and win a world, British or European title."

Guntert was a light heavyweight when he boxed for England Schoolboys and reached the final of the NACYP Championships (formerly the National Association of Boys' Clubs).

But the tougher training regime in the professional game and an improved diet have seen him drop down a weight division.

"I've cut out the rubbish that I used to eat, and I am not drinking at all," he said.

"It's been four weeks since I had any alcohol, and that was just a couple of glasses of wine.

"On top of that, the training has been so different. I am not quite sure I can explain why, but it is just so intense that it seems like a completely different sport."

Guntert's management and promotional team of Frank and Eugene Maloney are understood to have high hopes for the Abingdon man, whose style of fighting is regarded as ideal for professional boxing.

"I have had nothing but good feedback from Frank and Eugene," said Guntert.

"I feel that they are promoting me as a young prospect, rather than any old young fighter. I am very confident of doing well.

"I always felt I had to knock opponents out to win as an amateur because of the computer scoring.

"People have always said that I would do much better as a pro because of my aggressive style.

"They say I fight like Mike Tyson, but I don't think it is a deliberate thing. I have just had to be like that because I am only about 5ft 9in and have always been up against taller fighters."

The Abingdon man's debut opponent is not yet known.

Tickets for the show are available from Gill Guntert on 07710 947102 (after 6pm).