Wollongong fighters ready to make pro leap on home canvas

For Bulli heavyweight Luke Shiels, it was forgone conclusion having gone several hard rounds with Gallen - now 9-0 -  in the lead-up to the bout.

It was enough for the Thirroul Butchers prop to make a long-fancied move into the professional boxing ranks after several years compiling a 4-1 record as an amateur.

"At first I was a bit nervous but once I got in there I was fine," Shiels said.

"We both bashed each other, they were great rounds. It's the real reason I've decided to go pro.

"He's ranked number three in Australia so to go toe-to-toe with him for six rounds, and then seeing what he did to Hopoate in two rounds… it was a real confidence-booster.

"I thought Hoppa would last longer than he did because they were two-minute rounds but the motor on Paul Gallen's incredible.

"I've sparred pros for a while now and, since sparring with Gal, I know what I want to do. I reckon I've got potential to go a bit further, we'll see how it goes." 

He'll make that first step through the ropes without the headgear on April 12 at the WIN Entertainment Centre, debuting alongside Black Diamond Boxing stablemate Shannen Manton.

For Manton, it's long-awaited foray into punching for pay, with the father-of-two making the leap after an impressive 6-1 stretch as an amateur.

"It's mostly family reasons, I can't keep fighting as amateur, spending all the time in camp to only finish with a trophy," Manton said.

"Fighting for an Australian title in the pros has always been my dream so it's time to chase it. 

"I've felt ready for a while now, it was just about getting that experience. I've been sparring pros nearly all my amateur career so I feel like I can mix it with them.

"I'm 23 now so it's time to do it now before it's too late. It's always been about me but now it's about my family." 

The pair will make their debuts a headline double-feature on Black Diamond's 'Illawarra Corporate Contender' card at the WEC.

The night will see corporate and amateur bouts, including several rugby league versus rugby union stoushes, with Shiels and Manton closing the show.

Manton hopes it's the first step to one day fighting for an Australian title strap at the same home venue.

"I've always had the dream of winning an Australian title at WIN Stadium," he said.

"To make my debut there and have it packed with Wollongong people is going to be really exciting."