COLLIE Boxing Club's 'Lethal' Liam Vernon is preparing for the biggest fight of his career.
On November 21, Vernon will travel to the Perth Italian Club in Northbridge for his debut professional fight in the middle weight section, with the contest fought over four, three-minute rounds.
Now 28, Vernon has been boxing since he was 10 years old but decided to step up his commitment six years ago.
"Boxing keeps you out of trouble," he said.
"It keeps you healthy. Before boxing I used to drink a fair bit now I couldn't tell you the last time I went to the pub." With a record of 12 fights, including eight wins and two knock-outs, Vernon believes he is ready for the step up.
"It was a goal of mine since I started boxing to have a competitive fight," he said.
"Now I have competed with the best in the state as an amateur I hope to compete with the best as a professional and maybe compete for a state title. I'm reaching my physical peak."
Vernon's trainer John Hinsey said the boxer turning professional was a huge coup for the town.
"This is huge for the gym, huge for the South West and huge for the town," he said.
"It's absolutely sensational.
"For Liam it's a big step up but he's tough enough to do it and he is a tough young man."
Hinsey said Vernon trained twice a day, seven days a week, juggling his family and his work life as an electrician with his boxing career and training other young boxers in his spare time. He said the Collie boxing community was close knit and had worked hard to help Vernon chase his dream.
"He will continue to be lethal when he gets out of here," he said.