COURTNEY Chadwick says he is in “no rush” to jump into big fights as he prepares to enter his first full year as a professional boxer.

The 25-year-old, a former amateur with the Phoenix Fire club in Warrington, won his first paid bout on December 2, outpointing veteran Youssef Al Hamidi in a four-rounder at Wigan’s DW Stadium.

After an amateur career spanning more than 90 fights, Chadwick is now looking forward to making his own way in the professional ranks and says he has gained new motivation from making the switch.

The former William Beamont High School pupil says he expects to return to the ring in March and says he will leave the decision on which fight he takes to manager Neil Marsh.

“One of the main reasons I turned over as a professional was that I was lacking motivation in the amateurs,” he said.

“I was struggling to train and get up for fights. There was no motivation to carry on.

“For my pro debut, I was just raring to go and I couldn’t wait to get in there.

“I was glad to get the first one out of the way, it’s been a long time coming. I had a bit of a wait but I was glad to get out there before the end of the year.

“We’re just looking to crack on now. I’ll tick over through Christmas, have a little break and the plan is to box next in March.

“My manager’s been telling me there’s no rush.

“He told me before that he’s had a lot of people eager to get in the big fights early, but I want to do it the right way.

“Obviously, the sooner they come the better for me, but I’ll listen to my manager and do what he thinks is best.

“All I can do is carry on training hard and keep learning.”

Father-of-two Chadwick will fluctuate between the lightweight and super-lightweight divisions in the early stages of his professional career.

Phoenix coach Elliot Dillon is helping out with his training, with Chadwick still using the club’s Warrington Fire Station gym for some of his sessions.

He owns amateur victories over some heralded professional fighters, such as current British and WBO intercontinental super-lightweight champion Jack Catterall and reigning English super-featherweight belt holder Zelfa Barrett.

Chadwick believes there are exciting fights against old amateur foes out there for him in the coming months and years.

He also says he will “always have time” for the amateur club he has been with for 17 years.

“I boxed at super-lightweight for my first fight, but I know for my first few fights I will be up and down between lightweight and super-lightweight,” he said.

“A lot of people who I’ve boxed in the amateurs have turned over as pros, so there’s a lot of fresh talent in both divisions.

“I’m sure we’ll meet again down the road in the pros!”

“I still train at Phoenix some days, one of the trainers from there has got his pro license so he’s helping with my training.

“They’ve all helped in their own way, but they’ve taken a step back and let me do my own thing.

“I know everyone there and I’ve been there all my life. I’ll always have time for them.”