Frank Warren has inked Ahmet Patterson – the first professional boxer of mixed black and Turkish heritage.
The 22-year-old welterweight sensation has turned down a place at the 2010 Commonwealth Games boxing for Jamaica and will have his first professional fight on October 23 at York Hall.
The show is headlined by Liam Smith’s challenge for the Vacant Commonwealth Super-Featherweight title, live on Sky Sports.
The south Londoner is managed and trained by Babatunde Ajayi at the Peacock Gym.
“I want to go all the way to the top,” said Patterson, who lives in East Dulwich.
“I believe I can be a world champion. The offer was on the table for me to go to the Commonwealth games for Jamaica, but I want to get on with my career and start winning professional titles.”
Patterson began boxing when he was just 14, and fout of Fitzroy Lodge ABC and Repton ABC as an amateur.
A former street dancer and electrician, he now boxes full time.
“Believe me, this kid is the real deal,” said Ajayi.
“I’ve never seen anyone train like him before. He does session after session in the gym and he’s ready for more.
“He was working with Ted Bami before his fight with Bradley Pryce, and handling him with ease.”
Warren said: “I’ve always made it my policy to sign the best British talent out there, and Ahmet fits the bill.
“From what I’ve heard he’s got it all and I am really looking forward to seeing his first fight.
“And if I can find him a Greek or two to fight we’ll have a sell out on our hands.”
Although Patterson has a British passport, his mother is West Indian and his father is a Turkish-Cypriot born in Lefkosa in northern Cyprus.
A big ticket seller, Patterson will also be billed under his father’s surname of Karayusufolu.
Tickets are available from the Frank Warren Promotions box office on 01992 550 888.