Derek off to flier in pro debut

And the 24-year-old welterweight’s professional bow couldn’t have gone any better as he stopped his Bulgarian opponent Aleksandar Chukaleiski in the first round of their bout at the Albert Halls in Stirling.

In a sensational debut he stopped his opponent with relentless head and body shots after two minutes 52 seconds of round one, having already floored him a few seconds earlier.

It was the perfect start to his professional career following over 10 years in the amateur ranks where he boxed for Zetland ABC in Grangemouth before moving to Kilsyth Golden Gloves in 2007.

Derek said: “I just felt it was the right time to turn professional because I can’t really do much more at amateur level.

“I was pleased with my first fight and with winning in the first round. He was a good boy and fought to a high standard so I was pleased with the win.”

Derek has signed a three-year deal with Prospect Promotions and promoter Paul Graham was highly impressed with his debut - even if he didn’t get to see as much of his new fighter as he expected.

Paul said: “I had it planned for four three-minute rounds but Derek stopped his man in the first.

“I was very impressed. I would expect Derek to move up to light-middleweight and that he’ll be fighting for the British title before his contract with us is out.”