Island boxer Oli Edwards has turned to the army to get in top shape for his professional debut.

The teenager will be in action at York Hall, Bethnal Green on November 29 after his fight was moved forward a week - and he’s not leaving anything to chance.

Edwards said: “The army trains four times a day, five times a week and I wanted to test myself, so my friend, who is in the army, managed to get me in.

“I managed to get some time off work and so I’ve been able to work on my boxing full-time and I wanted to make it count. My fight has moved forward a week but I’m fit and ready now.”

The 19-year-old middleweight boxer faced daily 6am starts and some top sparring as he looks ahead to his Bethnal Green bow.

He said: “It was a brilliant experience. I was sparring a Commonwealth medallist and the best of the best in the army. I feel great after the week-long boot camp.”

Edwards’ opponent will be 27-year-old Sussex fighter Liam Griffiths. Griffiths hasn’t won many fights but has been stopped just twice in 51 bouts.

Tickets cost £35 and can be obtained by calling 07983 113916.