Charlie Hickford has signed with promoter Frank Warren, manager Francis Warren and Queensberry Promotions | The Cliffe featherweight makes his professional debut at York Hall this Friday

Charlie Hickford makes his professional boxing entrance this weekend - and he’s aiming for the top.

‘Classy’ Charlie has signed with legendary promoter Frank Warren following a stellar amateur career which has seen the Cliffe boxer represent his country internationally on the world stage since the age of 13.

The four-time national champion and two-time European medallist will be making his professional debut at London’s iconic York Hall on Friday night, with the show broadcast live on TNT Sports.

Fighting at featherweight, the 21-year-old boxes out of Chatham’s Ropes & Glory Pro/Amateur gym under the tutelage of his father Steve and the club’s head coach, Dan Woledge Snr.

Hickford said: “I can’t wait for my professional debut, boxing at the York Hall is a real honour for any boxer and I’ve sold a massive allocation of tickets, it’s going to be packed out.

“The support behind me has really been fantastic - I can’t wait to get in the ring, shine, and put on a great show.

“So many world champions have boxed at the Bethnal Green venue, it’s mind blowing and a privilege to be starting my journey there.

“I am so proud to have signed a long-term deal with Frank Warren - he’s a Hall of Fame Promoter, the best in the business with a proven track record of guiding young fighters to the top.

“Combined with a world class manager in Francis Warren, I just couldn’t be in better hands.

“My training camp has been brilliant, sparring with elite European champions and world level guys, honestly, I am buzzing and can’t wait for the first bell.

“The gym’s thriving, the experience and advice I have in the stable with Chatham’s highly decorated brothers Karol and Moses Itauma to look up to, along with a decent crop of senior and junior