AMATEUR aces Andrew Selby and Ashley Brace enjoyed successful starts to their professional careers at the Newport Centre on Friday night.

St Joseph’s star Selby, younger brother of IBF featherweight world champion Lee, was a two-time European champion and world silver medallist as an amateur.

He also shone in the World Series of Boxing for the British Lionhearts but after missing out on medals at London 2012 and last year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow he opted to turn pro and attempt to follow in his brother’s footsteps.

And it was an explosive debut for the 26-year-old as he knocked down Haji Juma of Tanzania in the first and third rounds before referee Reece Carter stopped the fight after two minutes and 29 seconds of round four.

Former Torfaen Warriors amateur star Brace opted to turn pro after she was barred from representing Wales at the Commonwealths due to doubts over her eligibility because of her kickboxing past.

The 24-year-old says she has put the pain of missing out on Glasgow 2014 behind her to pursue her dream of success in the professional ranks.

And she started confidently with a 40-36 points victory over Bulgarian bantamweight Bojana Libiszewska in the first officially licensed women’s bout to be held in Wales.

“It was a nerve wracking experience,” said Brace. “It’s the first time I’m fighting for myself – rather than Wales or anybody else.

“It was a big decision for me to turn pro but one of my all-time favourites is Ricky Hatton – I’ve watched him since I was a little kid because my dad is in love with boxing.

“I’ve dreamed of winning professional belts for a long time and fighting in Las Vegas has always been the dream for me.

“The amateurs was always just a step for me to get experience under my belt.

“I wanted to go to the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games but that would have just been a stepping stone for me.

“I wasn’t tempted by Rio because I wouldn’t have been picked ahead of Nicola Adams.

“And I wasn’t going to fight for Wales again. I love where I’m from but it’s just because of the way the sport is run in this country.

“I felt like I had no option after what happened last year and I’ve got no regrets at all.”

She added: “Obviously it’s a bit different with no headguards and if somebody headbutts you it hurts – a lot!

“I’m still learning as a pro but over the past year I’ve improved a lot.

“I don’t think I performed at my best today but I know when I throw with my right hand I have got stopping power.

“I’ve been sparring with guys like Lee Haskins in Bristol and even they’re saying that I can hit for a girl.

“It’s just putting it all together really and I didn’t put too much pressure on myself tonight because I knew it was going to be scary making my debut.”

Elsewhere on the Sanigar Events bill there was a 60-54 points win for Cwmbran’s Jamie Arthur over Croatian Antonio Horvatic.

In his first fight for more than three years Arthur shook off an early cut to the head to dominate proceedings over six rounds at super-featherweight.

There were 40-36 points win for St Joes pair Robbie Turley and Danni Griffiths.

Cefn Fforest fighter Turley took his record to 16-5 by beating Frenchman Jean Noel Alvarez.

There was also a points win for Aberdare heavyweight Dorian Darch and a second round stoppage victory for Cardiff light-heavyweight Nathan Thorley.

Pontypridd pair Kyle Jones and Jermaine Asare also both enjoyed comfortable victories over four rounds.

Bridgend’s Richie Canning beat Alec Bazza and Ferndale fighter Barrie Jones knocked out Swansea’s James Lilley to win the Welsh super-welterweight title.