ANDY Cox turned professional in March 2007 after a solid amateur career in which he won 16 of 21 fights against some experienced operators.

The fitness instructor signed a three-year contract with Rotherham-based Dave Caldwell to operate in the lightweight division.

At 5ft 11in, Cox, of Trinity Road, Cleethorpes, is one of the tallest in the division and can rely on a long reach to frustrate his opponents.

His stablemates include world title contender Ryan Rhodes and former Grimsby Town player Curtis Woodhouse.

He was to make his debut at the Beachcomber, Humberston, on May 14, 2007, against Nottingham-based Estonian Sergey Rozhakmens.

As an amateur, Cox, who was born on 22 February, 1986, spent time with Brendan Ingle’s famous gym at Wincobank, Sheffield, where he sparred with former WBO cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson.

He won a gold medal at an international tournament in Denmark in March 2002 in only his ninth time in the ring.