Colchester-based welterweight Connor Vian steps into the ring for just his second professional fight, at The Halls, in Norwich, on Friday night.

The 24-year-old is a member of the 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, in Colchester and enters the paid ranks with an impressive amateur pedigree.

Croydon-born Vian boxed full-time for the Army for two-and-a-half years, racking up over 50 bouts, and won an Army championship, being the podium welterweight for over a year.

He now splits his time between trainer Russell Smith at Champions Gym in Colchester and Kickstop Boxing in Norwich, under trainer and manager, Graham Everett.

He will box on the same Shamrock Promotions bill as Ipswich’s rookie heavyweight, Fabio Wardley, against a yet-unnamed opponent.

“Preparation has gone really well, it’s been a long training camp and I have not boxed since December 2,” said Vian, who defeated Ali Wyatt, on points, at a London dinner show.

“It’s a case of learning the trade really. I was a very high level amateur boxer, but there is a big difference between that and being a professional and you need to learn the tricks of the trade.”

While still very much at the fledgling stage of his professional career, Vian is not afraid to discuss his ambitions, and explained: “I want to be boxing in eight to 10-round fights by the end of it.

“Towards the end of next year I want to be looking at a Southern Area belt and eventually win a British title, which is every boy’s dream.

“It was not an easy decision to leave the Army team, which was a great set-up, and I would not have turned over (to professional) just for the sake of it, or for money. I have turned over to fight for titles.

“I want a Lonsdale belt and be the best at my weight in the country.”

Meanwhile, Wardley has been tipped for a bright future by his manager at Shamrock Promotions, Mervyn Turner.

“He (Wardley) has got everything a pro fighter needs,” Turner told Norwich Boxing TV.

“He has got good morals, is keen to learn and lives to box. He is a great addition to the stable.

“The fans will get right behind him in Norwich.”