Trainer Graham Everett believes Norwich's newest boxing professional has a big future ahead of him.

Nathan Dale has joined the pro ranks after an impressive amateur career, albeit one interrupted by a year out of the ring.

But the 20-year-old from Norwich is back in the ring, and hungry for success – Everett believes he can deliver.

'The thing about Nathan is he was an absolute top class schoolboy and junior,' said Everett, who trains out of the Kickstop Gym in Whiffler Road.

'He was someone I used to see around. He trained out of this gym when he was with Kingfisher and as junior schoolboy he was very, very special.

'He has got a lot of international experience as a youngster which will serve him well – all credit to his amateur trainers and the clubs he boxed out of.

'But to be honest he had a little period when he first turned senior when he lost his way a little bit.

'He was still having fights and winning fights, but I think he was slightly out of his proper weight division.

'Let's just say maybe he lost his way a little bit. He came to see me and I said he would have to train for a fair period – and he is improving every day, every week.

'He is changing his style a little bit and I have very high hopes for him.'

Dale knows the Walsh brothers – Michael, and twins Liam and Ryan – and has slotted seamlessly into professional life.

'He has fitted into our group absolutely brilliantly,' said Everett.

'There is no real issue with him, he is a great lad and he is willing to learn off everybody and we just enjoy having him around. He is a pleasure to work with – now we have to get his pro career off to the right start.

'I'm in no hurry – he is still only 20 years old. If we have to go with one of the bigger promoters we will.

'Personally, I would love to do something out of Norwich with him. I think we can rekindle what we had before.

'I think he has got a good fan base here. All we need is a venue and we could get rolling with him and he could be an absolute superstar.'

Dale, who started at the Norwich Lads Club before moving on to Yarmouth's Kingfisher Club, is a former Golden Gloves and Four Nations winner and also reached the NCBA seniors finals – notching a record of 50 wins in 60 amateur outings.

But his current regime under Everett is designed to overcome the change between unpaid and paid ranks.

'He is in the gym every day, he doesn't complain, and he has accepted the fact that we are going to have to work hard and change a lot of things around to acclimatise him to pro boxing – the longer distances that need more strength, that sort of thing and just getting things like his running and his diet right.'

The Kickstop Gym production line includes not just the Walshes, but also heavyweight Sam Sexton and, before the current breed, the likes of Herbie Hide and Jon Thaxton. Could Dale be next?

'It would be fantastic and that is the aim, to take him to the top,' said Everett. 'I believe we can.'