By Elliot Foster

Marcel Braithwaite is determined to make a big impact when he makes his professional debut this weekend.

The former Golden Gloves amateur competed in the senior ABA championships for three years on the bounce and is now looking to make an impression on the paid code.

Braithwaite steps out in front of his home crowd at the Fusion Nightclub in Liverpool on November 26, topping the bill over four rounds, as part of Black Flash Promotions’ ‘Fusion Fight Night’ card.

He is set to come up against Anwar Alfadli, who has boxed the likes of former IBF bantamweight world champion Paul Butler and current Commonwealth super-flyweight champion Thomas Essomba and has a record of 2-60-5, and is excited as he prepares for the start of his journey.

“I’ve got a very unique style,” the 22-year-old told Boxing Scene, “and it comes from me. I’m not trying to be like anybody else, I just want to be me and set out a career path that suits me.

“I have a style of what feels good. Obviously I’ve been coached by some top coaches [like Wayne Smith, head trainer] at the Golden Gloves ABC, that’s where I’ve always been.”

Braithwaite will be joined on the card by gym-mates Byron Abiru and Steven Floyd, who both make their professional debuts, as well as highly regarded super-middleweight prospect Mark Heffron (12-0, 10 KOs) who is fighting for the second time in three weeks after a 13-month hiatus.

Sean Ben Mulligan, who is currently undefeated in the paid code, will also feature on the card.

And Braithwaite, who will campaign in the super-flyweight division, is determined to put on a show in front of not just the crowd but the other fighters as he looks to make a name for himself.

“I don’t care whether people like or don’t like my style,” he continued. “I go out and perform, I enjoy it. To be honest, I can’t see how you can’t enjoy it. If you’re supporting the opponent then obviously I can understand exactly why you may not enjoy it, but if you want to see good quality boxing then that’s what I bring to the table.

“Sit back and enjoy. We’ve been putting some good work in [which has] got me feeling good, got me feeling excited and looking forward to performing.

“It’s good to have the support that I have had [for my pro debut]. I’ve had a lot of people saying ‘Ah, you’re going to knock him out, you’re going to do this and that,’ so I can’t wait to put these hands on someone and hopefully you might see someone go asleep.”

IN OTHER NEWS

Archie Sharp has signed a new managerial deal.

The Frank Warren-promoted lightweight prospect is currently 6-0 with two early endings and is looking to return in 2017.

Sharp, 21, has inked a deal with MGM Marbella and he is excited to move forward under the Puerto Banus-based outfit.

"I'm delighted with the start I've made to my career and working with team MGM will really open up opportunities for me," Sharp said after the move was revealed.

"MGM always deliver for their boxers and I know if I keep winning I'll get my rewards."

The management team, led by Matthew Macklin, is happy with their latest acquisition and believe that he is going places.

"He has great ability and that has been evident in his performances to date," an MGM spokesperson said. "He has the potential to go to the very top in boxing and we look forward to helping him fulfil his ambitions in the sport."