Heavyweight boxer Derrick Osadolor says he is “ready to showcase” his skills on Saturday when he makes his professional debut live on the BBC.
The 24-year-old, who trains in Portsmouth, won the 2024 National Amateur Championships in the 92kg+ category and will now take his first steps as a professional.
Osadolor will meet Ben Vickers at the Copperbox Arena in London on the undercard of Francesca Hennessy v Ellie Bouttell.
“I’m excited and I’m fighting on a massive platform that some people would dream about making their pro debut on,” Osadolor told BBC Sport.
“I’m feeling ready and I’m very grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given, I’ve worked really hard for this.
“I’m ready to showcase myself to the pro fans, people know me on the amateur side of things but this is now completely different.”
Osadolor signed terms with his management team of Anto Fitzpatrick and former world champion Sunny Edwards in May 2025.
He was previously scheduled to make his debut in October last year but minor medical issues forced him to delay things.
With those issues now seemingly sorted, the University of Portsmouth graduate is eager to make a positive impression when he fights at the weekend.
“I’m trying to go as far as possible in this game, I think what will show is my mindset and mentality,” Osadolor added.
“A lot of people will be excited to see what I can do in the heavyweights, it’s so competitive and such a tough scene because there is so many people here.
“But I’ll stand out because I’m not a typical heavyweight, I like to be quite illusive and explosive at the same time.
“When people tune in they will see a sharp fighter that will have them on the edge of their seats, people are going to love it and will want to see more of me.”
Osadolor’s professional debut will be screened from 18:00 GMT on Saturday on BBC iPlayer as-well as the BBC Sport website and app.
