AN ANDOVER man is preparing to make history by becoming only the second person from the town to sign a professional boxing contract.

Brandon Thomson, 20, has recently signed a three-year deal with top promoter Steve Goodwin to become a full-time professional boxer.

The former Harrow Way student will be only the second boxer from Andover to do so, following in the footsteps of Harry Painter who achieved the same feat in the 1940s.

Thomson, who currently works in the construction trade, has been boxing since he was 14 and has described the move as “a dream”.

He told the Advertiser: “It’s overwhelming.

“To go professional is something I’ve always wanted to do.

“I’ve been boxing for seven years and I recently went to one of the biggest competitions in Europe. From there I worked out I could do well in the professionals and so I met with a promoter (Steve), who is one of the top three in the country and he signed me to a three-year deal.”

Asked what his ultimate ambition is, he said: “Personally I want to go to the top – to win a world title.”

The lightweight boxer, who idolises the likes of Ricky Hatton and Sugar Ray Leonard, begins his professional career next month with a fight in London.

The fight, which will be held at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, will be against Devon-based boxer Jack Green.

Asked about his opponent he said: “I don’t know much about him. I normally leave that in my trainer’s hands and concentrate on training hard.”

Thomson’s intense six-day schedule begins just before 6am, when he wakes up for a morning run.

He then completes a full day of work before getting into the ring with his Devizes-based trainer Liam Wilkins.

He also follows a strict diet throughout the week, to keep him in peak physical condition for his fights.

Despite the sacrifices, Thomson says he enjoys the “discipline” behind boxing.

He said: “It has definitely changed me as a person and given me a different outlook on life.

“It has made me a better person, particularly the discipline behind it. It is tough but I enjoy it.”

Thomson is hoping to gather local support ahead of his fight on Saturday, September 24 and is hoping to organise travel for those who would like to attend.

Anyone interest should contact Brandon Thomson: 07709242262.