KODY Davies cannot wait to hit the ground running in boxing’s paid ranks after calling time on his amateur career.

The former GB Boxing star has signed a management deal with Cwmbran’s Gary Lockett and hopes to make his professional debut on a Matchroom bill in Cardiff this September.

Davies goes before the British Boxing Board of Control later this month to obtain his pro licence, after which it is all systems go for the 23-year-old.

Newbridge’s former world champion Gavin Rees, who started training the Pontllanfraith ace before April’s Welsh ABA Championships, will continue as his coach.

“My dream was to go to the Olympics but after that didn’t work out I was only hanging on in the amateurs for a few big competitions before turning pro,” said Davies.

“When I found out Wales weren’t sending a team to the European Championships I didn’t want to hang around for the Commonwealth Games.

“There is also a new set-up at the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association and I didn’t really gel with what they were doing.

“I felt things could have gone a bit stagnant if I had stayed so I decided to make the move after the British Championships and pursue my dream of winning a world title.”

Davies, who fought for Wales at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, added: “Turning pro was always my long-term dream.

“I know it’s not going to be easy but I’m willing to do whatever it takes.

“The professional game is going to suit me more and I want to fight as much as I can once I get my licence.”

Davies isn’t signed to a promoter at the moment but the three-time Welsh senior amateur champion knows impressing Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn in the autumn could earn him the deal he is after.

And when he does make his debut it will be at light- heavyweight, some 10 kilos lighter than he was when fighting in the amateurs.

“In the amateurs I fought at 91kg and if I stay at that weight as a professional I would be a cruiserweight,” he added.

“In the pros I’m going to drop 10kg and fight at light-heavyweight, which is a weight I haven’t been since I was 15, but I’m willing to make the sacrifices.

“I’ve been in the ring with some world-class operators in the amateurs, you’re talking about Olympic and world champions.

“That will stand me in good stead for the pros, and I’ve got a great trainer in Gavin Rees.

“It’s still quite early days but we’ve gelled really well and I put my trust in him.

“He’s in the gym with me every day and pushing me all the time – I can see us working together for a long time.”

Davies recently travelled to Scotland for some sparring and is set to share a ring with British light-heavyweight king Frank Buglioni next month.