Big-time boxing events will return to Trowbridge after two of the town’s most promising fighters signed their first professional contracts.

Nick Blackwell, 18, and Liam Richards, 22, attended Church Street’s Contender Gym on Friday to pen deals with Midlands-based promoter Paul Rowson of PJ Promotions.

The popular duo, who between them sold over 100 tickets to a recent fight night at Trowbridge Civic Hall, are expected to make their professional debuts within weeks and hope to fight in their home town before the year is out.

“PJ wants me to have four fights before the end of 2009,” said Richards, a lightweight with an amateur record of 13 wins and two highly contentious split decision losses.

“I went to meet him with an open mind about turning pro because I didn’t want to be ripped off but he was very friendly and open with me.

“Also he is really keen to bring a card of boxing to this area. He said there would be little point having us fight in Birmingham where nobody has heard of us.

“So instead he wants to have a show in Trowbridge with Nick and I fighting to attract local fans.

“I’m from Melksham and have got quite a lot of local support.

“For my last fight I sold a book of 50 tickets and more people turned up on the night. I’d love to fight here again as a professional.”

Contender Gym owner Mark Kent, who coaches the duo, will now acquire a professional training license in order to continue mentoring the prospects, whom he has worked with for over two years.

Richards is currently a plumber but trains for three hours a day six days a week in the hope of being of able to down tools and fully commit to a career in the ring.

“My main aim is to make a full-time living from boxing,” he said.

“Of course I’d love to win an area title, maybe even a British title.

“You’ve always got to have a goal.

“You can’t go into boxing aiming to be mediocre.

“You have to want to be at least a British champion or hopefully even higher.”