BOXING: Price is right for victory on debut (From This Is Wiltshire)

STAVERTON’S Jono Price was thrilled to mark his professional debut with a victory in front of his friends and family.

The 19-year-old Contender Gym youngster was pitted against the vastly experienced Anwar Alfadli, a veteran of 36 fights, but wasn’t overawed on his pro bow at super-bantamweight.

Price had to be light on his feet and pick his shots but an accomplished performance saw him claim a 39-37 points victory over his Sheffield opponent.

“I absolutely loved it. I just wanted to put on a good performance in front of the home crowd,” said Price, who reached the finals of the junior ABA championships and the CYP (Clubs for Young People) finals during his time as an amateur.

“He was a tough lad because he’d had 30-plus fights but it was a good experience.

“I thought I boxed to my strengths and kept it to what I could do best – he was awkward and he was tricky so I had to out-box him.

“It was better than I expected and the atmosphere was unbelievable. The feel of it is great and I prefer having no headguards and stuff like that.

“Being around the other lads at the gym is a massive learning curve for me too.

“I’m hoping to be fighting again next month in Swindon so I’ve got to get my head screwed on for that and get straight back into training.”

Heavyweight Luke Martin, from Melksham, also made his pro debut under the Contender Gym banner on Saturday night.

The 29-year-old showcased some of his hard-hitting hooks and haymakers as he looked to get the better of Dyan Mihailov but the Bulgarian’s jabs in the early rounds ensured the contest finished as a 38-38 draw.

“I was a bit nervous so I didn’t box as well as I wanted to. He (Mihailov) was awkward and he kept holding on to spoil the fight,” said Martin.

“It was more about getting this one done more than anything and I just want to fight again as soon as possible now.”