Sam Evans living the dream with Ricky Hatton
Wednesbury's Sam Evans is living the dream after boyhood hero Ricky Hatton picked him as his next protege for pro boxing.
'The Hitman' will coach the 19-year-old, who has moved from the Black Country to Hatton's base of Hyde in Greater Manchester,
The teenager will campaign in the light welterweight division where his idol won British, WBF, IBO and IBF world titles during his own career.
Evans would be content with just a slice of that success and is still pinching himself, ever since landing himself a two-day trial to impress Hatton.
He has penned a two-year contract with Hatton Promotions, but will be managed by Errol Johnson and is set to make his pro debut in Walsall.
He said: "When I got the phone call telling me I had the opportunity to train with Ricky, it was a massive shock to me.
"I did two days with him in the gym and it was really hard, but I must have done well because I'm training with him every day now!
"Ricky was one of my heroes as a kid, so to be trained and promoted by him is great. I don't think there's anyone better to learn from."
Evans competed for Wednesbury Boxing Club as a capable but undistinguished amateur, a Midlands final in the Clubs for Young People tournament his best achievement.
Hatton has taken a punt on him and believes he's landed a big hitter, after being impressed by the meat in his gloves during training.
He said: "Sam impressed me the very first time he came to the gym. I took him on the pads and I could feel his power straight away.
"He didn't have too many amateur fights and that's probably a good thing, because his style is made for the pros.
"He likes to let his punches go and he's a very heavy-handed fighter for the weight. I'm very excited about his future."
Evans and stable-mate Rueben Arrowsmith, a five-time national amateur champion, will both turn over on Johnson's Black Country Boxing bill in Walsall Football Club's Stadium Suite on October 10.
Hatton will work the corner on fight night for his newest additions from the Midlands, with Arrowsmith hailing from Market Harborough.
And Evans wants to put on a show upon his return to his old stomping ground, with the Banks's a regular site for many of Wednesbury's club shows.
He said: "I'm ready for anyone who is out there at the weight. I'm only just starting out as a professional, but I'm willing to fight whoever is front of me and I want to mix it with the best there is.
"I expect the pros to be a lot different to the amateurs. It'll be a slower pace, so I'll be able to think and move my head more. I'm really looking forward to getting in there and doing the business."
Tickets, priced at £30 and £60 ringside, are on sale from Walsall FC's Box Office by calling 01922 651 414-416 or from 07875 653 842.
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