BOXING trainer Henry Wharton has called the move by his protege George Davey to sign with promoter Frank Warren as a “great deal”.

Former three-time world title challenger Wharton has continued working with the successful amateur Davey, becoming his manager and trainer as he prepares for his professional debut next month.

The 21-year-old makes his first appearance in the paid ranks when he competes in a four-round contest on the undercard to Josh Warrington’s IBF featherweight title defence against Sofiane Takoucht at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on October 12.

It follows on from a glittering amateur career that saw Davey win a couple of international tournaments and two Haringey Box Cup titles.

Coach Wharton believes that this was the perfect time for the York boxer to move on to the next stage of his career with Hall of Fame promoter Warren.

“This move is just what we wanted for George’s career,” said Wharton. “We’ve moulded George into a position where hopefully he will stand the test of time as a professional.

“He’s been positioned correctly. In the amateurs, he hasn’t had wins just for the sake of winning, we’ve been moulding him for the future.

“Heading into his professional career, he’s been put in good stead as he’s won gold medals all around the world.

“It’s meant that somebody with the stature of Frank Warren has signed him.”

Davey claimed the second of his Haringey Cup titles back in June via a second-round stoppage win over Tom Davey in the final.

It was a victory that caught the eye of Warren.

Wharton added: “When George won his second Haringey gold medal, his (Frank Warren’s) eyes were on George because he’s a little bit special - but we don’t tell him that!

“Those rumours came back to me and then I got in touch with Frank.

“Frank liked the look of George. We like Frank Warren, we’ve got the utmost respect for him.

“He’s a Hall of Famer, he’s one of the best promoters of all time.

“We could do business together as well and we put pen to paper.

“I think it’s a great deal for George and I think it’s a great signing from Frank Warren.

“It’s a brilliant show to be a part of - Josh Warrington shows in Leeds are always special.”

While full of praise for his young prospect, Wharton was keen to not be too boastful as Davey begins his professional journey.

“George is a great kid and he’s really dedicated to the sport,” continued the trainer.

“All the gifts that he’s been taught in the gym, to take that on board he’s had to be 100 per cent dedicated.

“He’s a credit to the sport. He’s shown that he’s very good at the level he is now.

“His expectations are to get to the very top.

“We’re not going to go around boasting and calling for title fights.

“We’re going to see how he goes on for now.

“We’re not going to run away with ourselves. He’s a young man who’s on the way up.

“He’ll keep his head on the ground because he’s a lovely person.

“Hopefully everything will go right in his career.”

To get in contact about either tickets or sponsorship, call Wharton at 07415 993415 or Davey at 07775 290853.