John Docherty goes pro, signs with Matchroom

Scotland’s John Docherty, who won bronze at the Commonwealth Games in April, has decided to turn pro, and has signed a deal with Matchroom Boxing.

Docherty, who turns 21 in October, will start his career in the super middleweight division. He’ll be trained by Tony Sims, notable for training countryman Ricky Burns.

“I am so excited to get my pro career started,” said Docherty. “I loved my time with Team GB and representing my country in Australia was a huge honor, but that chapter is closed now and I cannot wait to test myself in the pro’s.

“It’s brilliant to team up with Matchroom Boxing and Sky Sports, and training with Tony in Essex is going to bring me on so much. There’s lots of class fighters in then gym and of course, I’ll be training with Ricky, who is a legend in Scotland and someone I’ve always looked up to, so to be able to learn from him every day is going to be amazing.”

“I am delighted to welcome John to the team,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “John’s amateur pedigree speaks for itself and he has all the ingredients to be a big success in the paid ranks.

“He’s a fiercely ambitious young man that is eager to learn every day, which is vital to make it in this sport. John’s commitment to move down to Tony’s gym in Essex to be alongside his fellow countryman and Scottish great Ricky Burns shows how dedicated he is to becoming a star, and I can’t wait to see his journey get underway in the new season.”