BOXING is in Jerome Samuels’ blood and he’s looking to emulate the success of his father Paul as he turns professional this month.

Samuels junior makes his pro debut against Cardiff’s Lance Verallo in front of his home town crowd on the Inner Core Promotions bill at the Newport Centre on Saturday, May 19.

He is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father, the 39-year-old former Welsh and IBF Inter-Continental light middleweight champion, who himself returns to the ring against Ryan Aston in Nottingham on May 26.

“I’m training with Steve Sims at Alway and he is a tough trainer,” said 18-year-old Jerome.

“He’ll make sure that, no matter what, his boys will come out with a win because they’ll just be too much for their opponent.

“I’ve had a lot of sparring and training has been going well so I’m raring to go on May 19.”

The youngster is returning to boxing after a break following the end of his amateur career.

“I was Welsh champion two years running and I boxed in the British final and got a silver medal so I’ve got a bit of pedigree behind me,” he said.

“I had a break for a year or two and went off the rails a bit but boxing has been a route out of that for me and I’m looking for sponsors to help me progress.

“Hopefully this time next year I will be Welsh champion, emulating what my dad did,” he added “That was his first ever title and it would be brilliant for me to follow in his footsteps.

“People have said if I can be half as good as my dad I will make it so that is the aim.”

For tickets to the show on May 19 call Samuels on 07423 267682.