CONNOR LAW is aiming to put his Commonwealth disappointment behind him and move forward in the ring after confirming he is leaving the amateur ranks.

The 22-year-old Kelty boxer has turned professional and his first bout has been pencilled in by new promoter Tommy Gilmour to take place at Glasgow's iconic St Andrews Sporting Club on 6th October.

He had been considering his future in the sport after missing out on the Glasgow Games by losing a 'box-off' to rival Lewis Benson in the battle to represent Scotland in the 69kg weight category.

The experience still hurts Law, who was forced to take on what he described as "the biggest fight of my life" just four days after sustaining back injuries in a car accident.

He told Press Sport, "It's been both an easy and difficult decision for me, because it's difficult to leave the amateurs. It's something that I really like and, if there was a yes vote in the referendum, I could go to the Olympics for Scotland! But if I wait I might be too late. I want to go far in the pros but I'd be 25 by the time of my first professional fight. At least now I can get two or three years of experience in.

"I feel that I am ready now, so why not? There's nothing left for me in amateur boxing. Even if I'd gone to the Games, the plan was always to go professional after. But it was still devastating watching it because I know that I could've medalled there."

Despite topping the points ranking system - and becoming the first Scot along with Glasgow champion Josh Taylor - to win gold at the prestigious Tammer tournament in December, Law could only watch as Benson took the adulation of the home crowd.

The Lochend fighter lost his opening bout but Law continued, "I've got a good relationship with the team, including Lewis Benson who is my friend as well. I was supporting him and wanted him to do well, especially as I wanted to say that the guy who had beaten me had gone far, but I look at Josh Taylor who won a gold medal. Josh and I are the only Scottish boxers to ever win a gold at the Tammer tournament in Finland, so I know myself I can do well in the pros. I reckon I would've beaten the English guy who won it at my weight. He was below me in the British rankings but I just had to shrug it off. I did go through to support Reece (McFadden) and Josh in their semi-finals. I'm going to miss going on trips with them - we've been through a lot together.

"But my coach Stevie McGuire reckons I could be ready for a Scottish title fight in May, then a British in the next few years. Then I want to go for the European, the Commonwealth and the World belts. I've boxed at World Championships as an amateur and beaten guys who have turned pro and done well. I know I am capable of being successful."