Blackpool boxer Craig Sumner, a sparring partner of former world champion Anthony Crolla, set to make his debut

Craig Sumner has received his license from the British Boxing Board of Control and is due to fight for the first time at the Bolton Whites Hotel on Saturday, March 14.

Aged 27, Sumner knows he’s launching his career later than most, but the welterweight - nicknamed ‘Cold Heart’ - is still dreaming of the big time.

“I’m giving myself five or six years, up until I’m about 33, to win a British title,” he told The Gazette.

“I know I’m starting this fairly late.

“I’m not going to say I’m going to become world champion. If it happens, it’s a bonus.

“But our aim is to become British champion in the welterweight division.”

Sumner, who compares his boxing style to that of Carl Froch, has already mixed it with a former world champion having sparred Crolla before his retirement bout in November of last year.

“I got invited down in October time to get him prepared for his farewell fight,” Sumner added.

“I did four rounds with him on the first day and then Crolla and the likes of Joe Gallagher, Callum Smith and Stephen Smith sat me down and told me I did really well.

“They asked if I wanted to come back for some more sparring and I ended up being one of his main sparring partners for his last fight.

“I did good, but obviously he’s levels above me.

“I was doing well, I was competitive and I was hitting him with some good shots - although he was obviously returning with a lot of good ones as well!

“They were good, competitive sparring sessions. He’s a nice guy so he wasn’t going to destroy me, but it was a great experience.”

Sumner first started fighting in a gym environment at the age of 16 with Blackpool ABC.

Having taken part in 13 amateur bouts, the boxer then took a six-year break to study at university.

But upon returning to the Fylde coast, Sumner linked up with a close friend who owns a gym before being spotted by the late Preston-based trainer John Donaghy.

Sumner now trains with coach Ed Harrison, who runs the Kingscote Boxing Club on Lytham Road.

A Blackpool fan, the 27-year-old is hoping to get some Seasiders on board as he prepares to make his bow next month.

“I’ve been a Blackpool fan my whole life,” he said.

“I was a season ticket holder for many years up until the boycott started.

“I know a lot of Blackpool fans from going to games over the years and I’d like to get as many as possible on board.

“Maybe I could even do something with the club in the future? Who knows if I win a few fights?”

Sumner is sponsored by David Oakes from Highfield Tanning, which is based on Highfield Road in Blackpool.