LLOYD Germain is champing at the bit as he looks forward to a professional debut this summer – and the St Joseph’s ace is not afraid to set some ambitious goals for his future in boxing.

The welterweight has become the latest member of trainer Tony Borg’s Newport stable to switch to the paid code following the frustration of inactivity in the amateur ranks.

Father-of-two Germain turned pro at the relatively late age of 28, so there is a certain element of wanting to make up for lost time as far as the Cardiff native is concerned.

And while winning titles is one thing, he also knows that success can bring with it the financial rewards that would help him support his young family.

“I’ve always been very ambitious, and I want to be the best I can be in my weight division,” he said.

“My first goal, apart from winning on debut, because you only get one chance to make a first impression, is to go for a Welsh title.

“From there I’ll be looking at Celtic, British and European titles and then challenging for and winning a world title.

“I’m obviously a long way from that, but with hard work, determination and dedication anything is possible.

“I know I’m starting quite late, however, I feel a lot younger than I am, 10 times better than I was 10 years ago.”

On the impact the St Joseph’s gym has had on him, he added: “I’m learning new things every day at St Joes and getting invaluable experience with the sparring I’m getting.

“I’m around some of the best boxers in Wales, just being in their company helps me.

“It’s such a nice environment in the gym and everyone picks each other up when they need picking up.

“I probably see Tony more than my old man as I’m in the gym five or six days a week, but you get a special bond with a trainer because a lot of time goes into your development.

“Tony is related to my half-brother who passed away last year, so I’ve known him for a good few years and we’ve got a bond there.

“I started going to St Joes two years ago because I knew it was the best place for me to be, and what I’ve learnt in that time has been astronomical.

“I’ve seen a massive improvement in myself, both physically and mentally, and I decided to turn pro earlier this year.

“I’ve got a young family to support and it has always been one of my dreams to do something for a job that’s also a passion of mine.”

After starting boxing around the age of 12, Germain drifted in and out of the sport until his early 20s when he began to take the fight game more seriously.

It was revealed in February that Germain had signed a three-year professional contract with Sanigar Events, with hopes high for a first outing in June.