CHELMSFORD super-featherweight Tom McGinley makes his professional debut on Saturday.

He is set to be matched at York Hall in Bethnal Green on an event promoted by Hellraiser Boxing.

The 28-year-old electrician is trained by Russell Smith at the Champion's Gym in Colchester and he is being managed by Joe Elfidh.

McGinley makes the switch to the professional ring from the IBA after a breakthrough win over Danny Costello last year.

Costello won three successive ABA flyweight titles in the 1990s and McGinley says beating him convinced him to turn professional.

"That fight was a real turning point," said McGinley. "Danny was an amazing amateur and that fight made me think: 'How far can I go ?'

"The way I see it, I have four or five years to make an impact.

"I realise I'm not going to go out and conquer the world, but I want to get as far as I can and I believe I can get to Southern Area-title level."

McGinley only took up boxing four years ago after he decided to quit football.

For a decade, he was with Broomfield FC before his career was ended by injury.

"I had a couple of operations on my cruciate ligament and decided to knock football on the head," added McGinley.

"I've always loved boxing, so I went to the gym, enjoyed it and before you know it, I was sparring and being asked: 'Do you fancy fighting?'"

McGinley went on to win his first six fights inside the distance and stayed unbeaten in 14 fights, two of which were draws.

"I like to box on the back foot," he said. "I got my stoppages by catching my opponents on the way in and that's the style that seems to work for me."

Tickets for the show at the York Hall are available from 07827 926897.

l Jack Mason, Chelmsford will be competing at Bellator MMA's first ever event in the UK which takes place at The O2 on July 16.

Bellator will be showcasing the very best British Mixed Martial Arts talent with what is being billed as the strongest ever all British undercard.