Gareth Gardner is preparing to create history and continue the family love affair with boxing at the same time.

On June 18, the 31-year-old welterweight from New Addington becomes the first British boxer to compete in the new Queensbury professional boxing competition.

Gardner has dominated the Queensbury Boxing League amateur scene for five years, become the most prolific champion in the competition’s history.

Now he enters the pro ranks off the back of capturing Queensbury British titles in three different weight divisions, a feat no other boxer has ever achieved.

He said: “Boxing is in the Gardner blood. My dad, Will, has coached me since I was a kid in the amateur ranks, and his dad was an amateur in the 1920s at the Applegarth club in Croydon.

“Also all my uncles on the Gardner side have boxed, including my late uncle Derek who boxed as a pro in the 70s.”

The former champion, who never tasted defeat in all 11 of his title fights believes his ring exploits over the past few years will make the switch to the pro scene much easier.

He said: “I’m used to boxing over five rounds of two minutes which has meant the fights are always fought at a frenetic pace.

“So with the longer rounds in the pro game I think you will see much more skill and finesse as I’ll have more time to work”

Over the years Gardner has built up a huge army of fans, and the Croydon native is confident they will be out in force for his professional debut.

“The support from all my fans has always been amazing, and now that I’m going pro I think its will only get bigger,” he said.

“I’ve won British titles in three weight divisions in the league, but ultimately I want to do the same as a pro.

“It all starts later this month and I know its going to be a great night.”

Gardner’s pro debut heads the “History in the making” promotion on June 18 at the Copthorne Effingham Park Hotel in West Sussex. For details go to queensburyboxing.co.uk.