Alex Branson-Cole admits he has to pinch himself sometimes as his whirlwind start to his professional boxing career continued after he brushed shoulders with former World, European and British featherweight champion Barry McGuigan.

Faversham’s Branson-Cole has added hometown brewery Shepherd Neame to his list of sponsors.

The 30-year-old was presented with £1,500 by Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame to mark the start of a new agreement at the Tom Cribb pub last month - with the boxing-themed West End venue being opened by McGuigan alongside Branson-Cole and Neame.

“It feels like I have been boxing for ages but, as a professional, it’s only been 18 months,” said Branson-Cole, who turned professional in the early stages of 2022.

“I do pinch myself sometimes. But I just want to go out and fight.

“If opportunities come along or sponsorship, or the chance to meet people like Barry, that’s just a bit of a bonus.”

Branson-Cole had been invited to open the pub by Shepherd Neame.

He turned up with his family, not knowing McGuigan - who also lives near Faversham and who previously served as President of the Professional Boxing Association - would be there.

McGuigan was named Sports Personality of the Year in 1985 after he beat long-reigning WBA featherweight champion Eusebio Pedrosa at Loftus Road.

Branson-Cole said: “I wasn’t expecting Barry McGuigan to be there!

“I have got sponsorship from Shepherd Neame now. That’s great, really, because I’m from Faversham. It feels like an achievement in a way.

“I’m grateful that they’re part of the journey.

“The year has been a bit rubbish - but Shepherd Neame have come on board and want to support me. I brought my mum and the rest of my family there.

“Barry had it tough at points. Some of the stories he had were extraordinary.

“He was a good man and it was a pleasure to be in his company.”

Branson-Cole, who has seen several bouts subject to late call-offs in 2023, will return to action at London’s York Hall this Saturday.

The middleweight is set to take on Ethan Jones. Both have similar records. Branson-Cole has five wins and a draw while Jones has four victories and a defeat.

He said: “It’s a 50-50 fight in a way. It’s a tough fight.

“He’s another that will come and think he is going to win. We have studied him and his record.

“I’m confident that I will do the job.”

Any profit made from ticket sales will go to the Faversham Foodbank.