EARBY's Josh Holmes is eager to "put on a show" as he begins his career as a professional boxer.

Josh, 23, a former West Craven High School student, turned professional and signed a contract with his manager Kevin Maree in January.

Josh's first pro fight will take place on Saturday, March 30, at King George's Hall in Blackburn.

"I've always been told I have a professional style," said Josh, who have lived in Earby all of his life.

Josh, who has been boxing for 10 years, played football and rugby as a youngster growing up in the Pendle town.

"It was really odd, but it just dawned on me at the time that I wanted to start boxing," said Josh. "Since then, I've never looked back."

Josh began his young boxing career training at Eastburn Boxing Club under the tutelage of coach Naz Jalil, who trained him for about eight years.

Josh has fought at lightweight at amateur level, but turning pro will see him at either featherweight or super featherweight.

"I'll have to cut a little weight, but since I'll will be training six days a week, it will naturally just fall off."

Josh has had a lot of success in his young amateur career, winning 24 of his 29 fights.

One of his biggest victories was winning the National Senior Development Championships in November 2016.

He also has defended his Yorkshire title seven times, and he owns two title belts.

Despite all of his amateur success, Josh is looked forward to turning pro.

"I'm really excited to be honest, and I don't have many nerves," said Josh. "I have a good trainer and good manager at a gym in Manchester.

"I'm ready to put on a show for everyone," said Josh, who is thankful to have a big following.

"There will be a coach full of people who are excited for me to get my pro career started," he said. "Hopefully I have a big future."

In the last couple of years, Josh has had some fantastic opportunities to train with some boxing greats.

Most recently, while he was travelling, Josh was given the chance to train at a professional gym in Austria and Switzerland with IBF European champion Alen Begic.

In 2017, the young boxer also was able to develop his skills at Freddie Roach's Wild Card Boxing Club gym in Los Angeles.

"Training there was a crazy experience," said Josh. "Freddie Roach is one of the best trainers in the world. It was a very surreal experience sparring with Freddie Roach in your corner. I learned a lot over there."

Josh says that these overseas training experiences were great preparation for him as he kicks off his young career as a professional.

"I'll take a little from each gym into my first professional fight, and hopefully I have a big future in the sport."