Teenage Wigan boxer turns professional

Howarth, who is trained by father-and-son coaching duo Lee and Luke Blundell, became the latest Wigan boxer to sign professionally on Wednesday July 15.

He will be joining Blundell’s Boxing Gym stablemates James Moorcroft and Rhiannon Dixon under the management of Steve Wood at VIP Boxing Promotions.

Howarth, who has had to patiently wait until his 18th birthday last May to turn professional, couldn’t hide his excitement to make the next step in his career.

“I’m absolutely buzzing to be turning professional. It’s a dream come true.” the teenager gushed.

“I’ve finally signed my professional contract with Steve Wood at VIP.

“I would like to thank my coaches Lee Blundell and Luke Blundell for the time and effort you put into me, I couldn’t of done it without you.

“Also a big thanks to Allison Blundell, James Moorcroft, Rhiannon Dixon and everyone down at the gym for helping me along the way.

“I’m so excited to start the next chapter of my career, and progress as a professional. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time, and I’m excited to show everybody what I’m about when boxing is back.

“I honestly want this more than anything, and I’m going to train and work as hard as I can to be successful.

“I’ve seen Rhiannon and James pave the way, so I’m hoping to follow in their footsteps in how they’ve both excelled in the professional ranks. I just cannot wait to get started now!”

Howarth has been dreaming of turning professional since he first stepped through the doors of Blundell’s Boxing Gym.

Having displaying signs and qualities that was way beyond his experience in his earlier fights, Blundell instantly knew that his plucky 13-year-old had a special aura about him.

And his potential since has not gone under the radar, as Howarth has been highly-rated- and sometimes feared- by everyone he has touched gloves with.

He has even caught the attention of boxing legend Ricky Hatton, who especially brought his own prospect down to Blundell’s Boxing to spar with him.

The 18-year-old, who is often praised for his ruthless aggression and fearless mentality, aggression, has the outstanding record to match his credentials.

Winning 15 of his 17 bouts, including 12 by TKO, Howarth is ready to set the professional boxing scene alight- whenever the sport is able to make its safe return.

Blundell, who credits his son Luke for Joe’s incredible development, has always known Howarth was a different kettle of fish compared to other boxers in the same age bracket.

“Joe always has always been different. He’s always been there or there abouts," he revealed.

“Joe could only make it to adult classes when he started, so he had to work harder. He has always had something about him- a old head on his shoulders

“Most of his early fights he was too strong for kids his own age. At 15, he was showing signs and doing things that was way beyond his experience. He has stopped all bar three of his opponents, and had one loss which was more than controversial.

“He trains with James and Rhiannon, and he’s such a natural talent. He’s watched James and Rhiannon’s journeys, and he copied their paths to be the next in line.

He’s been sparring all the professional lads his weight, and even Ricky Hatton has come down to us with his own prospect.

“I think that in itself says how much people think of him.”