KELTY boxer Craig Morgan is setting his sights on becoming a world champion after quitting the amateur scene to turn professional.

The 18-year-old, a former European Schoolboy Championship bronze-medallist and two-time British champion, will step into the ring for his first lightweight bout as a pro in Paisley on October 6 after being signed up by trainer Billy Nelson.

Boxers who have worked with the Airdrie-based coach include the likes of Ricky Burns, the first Scot to win world titles in three weight divisions, and former Commonwealth super middleweight champion David Brophy, with whom Morgan has been sparring ahead of his big fight night.

His decision sees him follow in the footsteps of Connor Law, who he grew up on the same street as, and comes after the disappointment of missing out on last summer’s Commonwealth Youth Games through concussion first sustained in a car accident.

“That was always my goal and I did end up getting picked about four months before,” he explained.

“I was that confident I was already on my weight, and I was the happiest man alive. But then I was in a silly car accident where someone bumped into my friend’s car, and I got concussion.

“I was put into sparring three weeks after, and I got concussion again. I had to take four or five months off boxing; I didn’t want to box again. But I got the opportunity to sign professionally and it gave me a new lease of life.”

Morgan, who previously competed for Glenrothes Boxing Club, is currently juggling work at Diamond Fitness in Lochgelly with his own training routine, and continued: “I was talking to Connor recently and he said that it is probably the best decision he ever made.

“Billy has produced world champions and has a background of being one of the best coaches and managers in Scotland. When I first started, Billy adapted my style and, after the first week, I said to my mum and dad that it’s a lot to handle. But I gave it another week and it’s a bit easier than I thought. It will still take a good two or three years for me to adapt, and the first couple of years is like an apprenticeship.

“My goal is to be a world champion. I know I’ve got a very long way to get there but, if I want it, it’s all down to how hard I train and how much I want it.”

Morgan is set to roared on by close to 100 supporters when the opening bell sounds and, while they are providing him with plenty of motivation to start on a winning note, he revealed he has another inspirational tool up his sleeve.

“I cannot wait and it’s the week after my birthday, so I’ll buy chocolate for that, take a photo of it and use it as an incentive,” he laughed.

“I’ll keep looking at it before the fight and when I go to train and, if I win, I can have it afterwards as a treat!”