BRETT MCGINTY officially turned professional last weekend and is aiming for a pre-Christmas rumble for his debut.
The 21-year-old, an eight-time Irish champion, leaves the amateur ranks after appearing in two Irish Elite finals.
McGinty has joined up with the Los Angeles-based Sheer Sports Management, who have Jason Quigley and the McKenna brothers, Aaron and Stevie, in their stable.
Middleweight McGinty will be trained in Manchester by former multiple world champion Ricky Hatton.
A standout through his teenage yeas with the Oakleaf ABC in Derry, McGinty also won a Commonwealth Youth Games silver and European Schoolboys bronze medals.
That he will be based in Manchester having turned pro brings a unique family link with his cousin, Tyler Toland, having recently signed a two-year deal at Manchester City.
This week, Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub Sports Editor Chris McNulty caught up with McGinty for a wide-ranging interview. Watch the full interview below …