HARWICH Boxing Club stalwart Marcus Poston is turning professional - and admits it is "now or never" in his quest to rub shoulders with the sport's elite.

The 30-year-old enjoyed huge success on the amateur circuit, being a national finalist and boxing for Young England.

Now he has decided to step up to the professional ranks and has his first first on July 15, in Norwich.

Poston is "buzzing" at the prospect and admits that turning pro has been a lifelong ambition.

"It's something I've always had the ambition to do and now I feel the time is right," said the former Harwich School student.

"I'm settled and have great support from my wife, who is fully behind me.

"We recently had a daughter, too, so I guess it's now or never.

"I'm excited about it.

"I've got a real buzz at the moment and am enjoying training with Russell Smith, at Champions Gym, in Colchester.

"I'm learning all the time and there's a great vibe around the gym, with other pros also training there.

"I'm also getting great sparring at the Kickstop Gym, in Norwich, through my team up there - Graham Everett, Jon Thaxton and promoter Mervyn Turner.

"I feel I'm in good hands and I'll be looking to go as far as possible.

"A southern area title would be the first goal but winning a British title and a Lonsdale belt would be my main ambition and dream."

Poston, who does not know his opponent yet, walked into the gym at Harwich on the first day the town's boxing club opened, in 1997.

Just 11 at the time, he went on to became the first boxer to represent the club and first to record a win - something he says he will always be proud of.

As a junior, he was twice a national finalist and he boxed for Young England on three occasions.

After graduating to the senior ranks, he went on to make two Amateur Boxing Association semi-finals, holding a top-four ranking in England and top-10 ranking in the UK.

"I'll be looking to make my professional debut as a lightweight and plan to take it one fight at a time," added Poston, a duty officer at Clacton Leisure Centre.

"I can't get ahead of myself.

"I'm more excited than nervous at the moment and am really itching to get back in the ring, but as a professional this time.

"However, the closer it gets, the nerves will come.

"A few nerves are always good, though.

"I've had a short time away from competing but been involved in the coaching set up at Harwich.

"I've enjoyed developing the young talent we have and giving something back to the club.

"I can't thank (coach) Martin Webb enough for all the training and guidance he gave me throughout my amateur days and then during my time as part of the coaching team at Harwich."

Poston said he is indebted to sponsors The Windscreen Company, Ace Auto Salvage and Ace Tyres and DP Threadgall and Son.

Anyone wanting to buy tickets for the fight in Norwich can contact him on 07794 753894.