Maltby's Karl Crowley set for professional boxing debut

The fighter from Maltby was all set to turn over to the pro ranks when Covid hit and delayed his plans.

A couple of years on, he has his pro debut at Bramall Lane, home of Sheffield United FC, against Matar Sambou from Senegal.

“I've done kickboxing, taekwondo and jiu-jitsu, I just like to fight,” said Karl, who is trained by Jamie Kennedy at Rotherham's Millennium Gym.

“I went to Jamie about ten years ago and got into boxing properly. I was on and off with exams and work and had some time off and then I came back to get into it but with Covid everything was stopped.

“The only real thing for me to do is to turn over into a professional because the amateurs is pretty much dead for a senior unless you are Elite level on the national squad.”

Karl's fight marks Millennium's return to the professional ranks for the first time in eight years since the days of Chad Gaynor and others.

In trainer Jamie, Karl has an experienced and respected guide at his side and will campaign at super lightweight.

“I want to provide a little more for my family and hit some personal achievements,” added the 25-year-old.

“I would love to win a Central Area and English title and work towards a British but it's a long way off. It's about taking it one step at a time, starting at Bramall Lane.

“I'm a Sheffield United fan so it couldn't be anywhere better for my first one.”