HARWICH Boxing Club stalwart Marcus Poston is counting the days until his first professional fight.

The 30-year-old is raring to go ahead of Friday's lightweight bout at The Halls, in Norwich.

He decided to turn pro earlier this year, having enjoyed huge success on the amateur circuit, being a national finalist and boxing for Young England.

And he says preparations have gone well ahead of the biggest night of his boxing career.

"Training has been great," said Poston, who is based at Champions Gym, in Colchester, and is a duty officer at Clacton Leisure Centre.

"I've had plenty of quality sparring with the other pros in the gym and I've been working on lots of other things and learning all the time with my trainer, Russell Smith.

"I'm just looking forward to putting it all into action on Friday.

"I'm feeling excited more than nervous right now.

"Training has been hard over the past six months and, after a slight delay, it's nearly here."

Former Harwich School student Poston has admitted turning pro was a a lifelong ambition.

He 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.

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

"The support I've received from the town has been great and I can't thank people enough," he added.

"I'm hoping for a good following on fight night."

Tickets are still available priced at £60 ringside, £45 in the tiered seating and £35 standing.

Anyone wanting to buy them can contact Poston directly on 07794 753894.