LUKE Paddock admits making his professional debut may feel “a little bit weird.”

The 20-year-old light-welterweight becomes the fourth fighter from Priory Park Boxing Club to join the paid ranks on Friday when he steps through the ropes at Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

A former national finalist in the Clubs for Young People competition, Paddock is confident of making a positive impact but admits the switch from amateur may take some getting used to.

He said: “It’s going to be a weird experience.

“All my life as a boxer I’ve fought wearing a vest and a headguard so without them I may feel a bit naked if I’m honest.

“But it’s going to be a great experience. I just want to impress.

“I feel I could be a good British-level fighter.

“I’m not a brawler but a stand-up boxer who looks to use his shots and counter punch.

“Don’t get me wrong, if I do take a hit I’m not scared to get involved in a tear up — but that’s the kind of thing I want to avoid.”

Although Paddock is from Bloxwich he has trained under the guidance of Paul Gough at Priory for the past three years.

He joins Ryan Aston, Tommy Ghent and Ricky Summers in turning professional and says there is a superb atmosphere at the gym.

He said: “There is a great vibe and it’s a good stable of fighters we have now.

“You have guys there like Ryan Aston, who I really look up to as a boxer — I always take his advice.”

The Civic bill is topped by Rowley Regis welterweight Jason Welborn, who tackles an international opponent over 10 rounds.

Welborn, who recently relinquished the Midland Area title after two successful defences, could face Birmingham’s Frankie Gavin for the British crown in the near future.

Another man out to impress is unbeaten super-middleweight Andrew Robinson, who goes in search of his third professional win.

The 28-year-old, nicknamed The Animal, twice reached the ABA Novice championship finals and now trains at Brierley Hill-based Coops Boxing Camp, under the guidance of Shaun Cooper and stopped Vaclav Skromach last time out.

For more information and tickets call the Civic box office on 0870 3207000 or promoter PJ Rowson on 07976 283157.