RENFREW boxer Callen McAulay might have only just turned 19 and is yet to have a professional fight, but he’s been straight in at the deep end by sparring with a British title contender.

The former Trinity High pupil takes the step up to the pro ranks on Thursday at St Andrew’s Sporting Club’s show in Glasgow.

With a successful amateur pedigree under his belt. McAulay won 45 of his 55 amateur bouts and was a three-time Scottish champion and a British champion, the super lightweight fighter is far from easing himself into the professional arena.

He prepared for his first pro fight by stepping into the ring with Lewis Ritson, who will fight Robbie Barrett for the British Lightweight Title on the undercard of the Ricky Burns v Anthony Crolla fight at the Manchester Arena next month.

And McAulay believes the experience he gained by going 11 rounds with the 12-0 fighter over two days will help him to a win over 22-year-old Hungarian Pal Olah tomorrow night.

He said: “Training has been really good, I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve always trained hard when I was in the amateurs. I’ve had some really good sparring. I went down to England to spar with Lewis Ritson.

“That was a great experience down there. I’ve only just turned 19 so to spar with someone who is fighting at that level is only to help me learn and bring me on.”

Callen is sponsored by Instyle Kitchen and Bathrooms and thanks them for their support.