Probellum has announced the signing of highly-rated amateur Ben Rees ahead of his plans to turn professional.

The Birtley fighter has had a glittering amateur career, with his accolades including five national titles, and a European bronze medal.

"I'm delighted to sign with Probellum and it's the start of some big things for me," said Rees. "Boxing in the North East is only going to get better and better, and I'm happy to be a part of it.

"I'll hopefully make my debut in February, and I want to work my way up the domestic scene, winning the British title and then moving onto world titles from there. What Probellum can offer is in line with my goals, and I can't wait to get started."

He now joins the booming North East boxing scene, becoming the latest boxer from the region to sign with Probellum, following in the footsteps of fighters such as Lewis Ritson, Mark Dickinson, Pat McCormack and Luke McCormack.

"We're thrilled to welcome yet another fantastic prospect to the team by signing Ben Rees," said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. "We've got a superb mix of world champions, title contenders and rising stars at Probellum, and Ben fits right in as someone who can achieve massive things in the sport.

"Ben has already had incredible success during his time as an amateur, and we're confident he will go from strength to strength and carry that form into the paid ranks."

Also signing a contract with Probellum is undefeated British super-welterweight champion Troy Williamson.

Williamson (17-0-1, 13 knockouts) knocked out Ted Cheeseman in a bruising war back in October to claim the British title.

"I'm over the moon to take the next step in my career by signing with Probellum," said Williamson. "It has already been a tremendous year after winning the British title, and now we can really kick on from here.

"Probellum have signed some of the very best boxers in the entire world, so to now be part of that stable is exciting. The future looks very bright."

The 30-year-old also holds wins over the likes of Kieran Smith and Harry Scarff during his professional career, and as an amateur won the 2015 ABA Championships.

The Darlington boxer is currently ranked #11 in the world with the IBF, and looks certain for big things over the next few years.

"Troy Williamson is a tremendous fighter and we are ecstatic to have him join us at Probellum," said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. "There are some huge fights out there for him and the possibilities are endless for his career.

"The 154lb division is one of the very best in boxing at the moment, and we can't wait to see just how far Troy can go on his journey."