Gloucester super-lightweight  Anton Esson promises “an exciting, exhilarating and explosive performance” when he steps into the ring for his third professional bout at MECA in Swindon a week on Saturday.

And he’s not short of confidence because he’s won his first two fights, the second  well inside the distance.

“I turn 25 the day after so a win would be an early birthday present,” said Esson, who is a southpaw, as he looked forward to his next fight.

Esson joined the paid ranks earlier this year – he trains at at Baker Street ABC in Gloucester – and has been boxing most of his life. 

“I’ve trained at Baker Street ABC since starting boxing aged nine when I instantly fell in love with the sport,” he said.

“I've been with them all through the amateurs. Staying there as a professional was the obvious choice.”

As an amateur, Esson enjoyed an impressive record, winning 26 of his 41 fights, 17 by knockout.

“When I turned 18, I had a nine in a row knockout streak,” he said. “I only lost two of 20 senior amateur bouts and that included fighting some of the toughest boxers in England. I ended up ranked third in the country in 2023.”

And he’s carried that form into the professional game.

“I’ve learnt that professional boxing is very serious and there are no short cuts in the game,” he said. “It’s a lifestyle and if you want it hard enough your life revolves around it.

“I like the training and the discipline of the sport, and value the friendships made over the years.

“I won my first professional fight against Lee Hallett on points but I won my second by a stoppage, I knocked Naeem Ali to the canvas in the second of six scheduled rounds.

“I'm determined to create a knockout streak. Like all boxers I always want to show that I’m tougher than my opponent both physically and mentally.

“I thrive on the love from the crowd during my ring walk and the elation that comes from a decisive win.”

Gloucester born and bred Esson, who is managed by Swindon-based Mark Neilson, lived in Longlevens when he was younger before recently moving to Bishop’s Cleeve.

A former pupil at Longlevens Junior School and Chosen Hill Senior School, Esson now works as a civil engineer for Openreach having completed a joinery apprenticeship. 

His coach Todd Roberts thinks highly of Esson.

“I've learnt these past six years coaching Anton that his potential is endless,” he said.

“I've never seen a more gifted athlete in my life. The club has the utmost respect for his dedication and commitment which have allowed him to develop his talents.

“Anton's been consistently stopping opponents since he started boxing and is built for the pro game with his exciting style.

“He's made great progress as he's transitioned into the professional sport this year and another win will add to that.' 

Esson has always looked up to Manny Pacquiao because of his work ethic, adding: “Like me he's a left-handed boxer. I love to emulate his killer instinct fighting style.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor Esson can email antonesson@gmail.com or call him on 07824 664994.