A teenage boxer from Stoke-on-Trent is hoping that winning his professional debut bout will be the start of a successful career in the sport.

Featherweight boxer Armie Litherland defeated Worcestershire's Michael Mooney on points on a show held at Stoke City football ground.

"I'm delighted to have got the win and scored full points while still a teenager," said Armie who turns 20 in September.

"I felt confident given all the training as I walked out to the tune of Freed from Desire. I gave a punch perfect performance.

"I was fast and sharp from the opening bell and didn't really get hit while all the time landing clean and decisive shots to my opponent's body. Like I said, I controlled my nerves by telling myself just how hard I'd trained.

"A boxer only makes a professional debut once, so I was determined to enjoy it and entertain the many people who'd bought tickets to the show."

A former student of Chesterton Community Sports College, Armie lives in Newcastle-under-Lyme with his mum and dad and works in a business preparing healthy meals. He's also a boxing coach.

Armie said: "I started boxing aged nine as I wanted to test myself. My great grandad is also remembered as a boxer. I became an elite amateur boxer picking up numerous titles in all different ages and weights.

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"I always enjoyed visiting other countries for tournaments and experience different boxing styles and national cultures. I once attended a competition where I boxed several times over two days and defeated the fighter who was third best in the country and then went on to defeat a European silver medallist in the final."

Armie explained that he decided to join the paid ranks after he had "exhausted what the amateur sport has to offer".

He added: "I'm keen to get on and work to win area titles while still young. I train at Bluestone Boxing, and my coach Joe Eccleston thinks this ambition is achievable.

"He congratulated me after the bout saying my performance was impressive and mature so we should both be excited for future success. I'm determined. I listen to instructions and then look for how to put new techniques into practice.

"I can be quite a loud person, some might say a bit cocky, but the truth is I believe in myself. I trust that people see me as an honest local lad aiming for the top as he put's his city's boxing firmly on the map."

The young athlete will soon be back to intensive training for his second bout - also organised by his manager Pat Barrett's Black Flash Promotions - scheduled for 30 May at Manchester's Bowler's Exhibition Centre.

Armie is "grateful: to the local companies who are sponsoring him. He said: "So many thanks to Zaam Wholesale, Fast Nutrition Meal Prep, Black Opal Tattoo, City Locks and Redouble Digital."

To follow Armie's career, visit his Instagram page here or contact him about sponsorship at [email protected].

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Bluestone Boxing - located at Regent works, Longton - can be found on Instagram here.