SOUTH Ockendon boxer Charlie Driscoll admits he is “over the moon” to sign his first professional deal with boxing supremo Frank Warren.

The 22-year-old fighter signed terms with Frank Warren & Queensberry Promotions at the start of January, after a hugely impressive amateur career in which he got to the quarter-finals of the Elite ABA championships last year.

The deal means the six-time national champion, who boxes with Lynn AC, in south London, will now see his fights televised as well as getting paid for his bouts.

And the lightweight, who got onto the senior men’s elite England team after his showing at the ABAs and was ranked as number four amateur in a UK boxing magazine, admitted he was overjoyed to sign the deal.

“I am over the moon,” he said. “I first found out there was interest when I was on an England performance camp back in November.

“I spoke to a few other fighters and they said it was a great opportunity and I was so keen to get involved.

“It is a great opportunity for me to show what I can do on a bigger scale. All my fights will now be televised on Box Nation TV and it will help me climb the ladder.

“I will get paid for each fight now as well, whereas that wasn’t the case before,case before, and to be fighting for such a big name in the world of boxing is very exciting as well.

“Everyone knows who Frank Warren is and he came to meet me and shook my hand as well so little things like that can make a difference.”

Driscoll will be training six times a week as he winds up for his big debut later this year. The lightweight boxer thinks he will have his first bout in either April or May, and he paid tribute to his family for their contribution to his success.

Dad Mick is the head coach of the England schoolboys boxing team, and Charlie said the support he has got from him and brothers Vinnie and Sidney, both successful amateur boxers, has helped him achieve his goals.

“My dad is at the pinnacle of what he does and he has been so important to my development,” added Driscoll. “My brothers are showing their talent as well so we are all pleased at the moment.”