CHRIS LAKEY Norwich heavyweight Sam Sexton is to sign a major long-term deal with one of European boxing's biggest promoters.

CHRIS LAKEY

Norwich heavyweight Sam Sexton is to sign a major long-term deal with one of European boxing's biggest promoters.

The 22-year-old has been offered a three-year deal with Frank Warren's Sports Network and is set to make his debut on the under-card of the Amir Khan Commonwealth lightweight title shot at the 02 Arena next month.

Sexton's management team of Neil Featherby and Graham Everett have been involved in talks with most of Britain's leading promoters and say Sports Network have come up with the best package.

“This is a big opportunity for Sam and signing for Sports Network will hopefully give him every opportunity to develop his potential to the full,” said Featherby. “With Jon Thaxton recently signing for Mick Hennessy and now Sam for Frank Warren, it just goes to show that we do have the talent here in Norwich and under the guidance of Graham Everett, our lads can go on to be just as successful as anyone else out there.”

Sexton has been guaranteed six fights a year by Sports Network before heading off to Germany next week to spar with top European heavyweight Richel Hersisia.

Sexton has won all five of his fights since turning professional in September, 2005 - and trainer Everett believes the link-up with Warren has come at exactly the right time in his development.

“I personally believe he is one of the best promoters in the world, certainly if you look at the shows he puts on it bears that out,” said Everett. “It will be an honour to be involved with Sports Network.

“Frank Warren is not like some other promoters - he keeps his own ears close to the ground at all times. Sam has sparred with Danny Williams and Matt Skelton, who are both with Frank Warren, and I know they have told him about this good young kid in Norwich. Frank Warren told me he had heard nothing but good things and when he saw him beat Paul King at the Showground in March he was very impressed.”

Everett was involved in the development of another Norwich heavyweight, Herbie Hide, who he helped mould into a two-time world champion - but says comparison between the two are hard to make.

“Herbie was world champion at Sam's age,” he said. “In a lot of ways I think Sam is what you would class a classic present day heavyweight. He will mature when he reaches his mid to late 20s, he has not physically matured yet. Herbie was explosive and fast and very good very young.

“They are different types of fighters and it is impossible to compare the two.”

What Everett believes Sexton does have in common with Hide is the ability to reach the top.

“There are no two ways about it, I genuinely think Sam will be, minimum, British champion,” said Everett. “And he has all the tools to go much further. He has already mixed with the best this country has to offer in sparring and the next step isn't that far away.”

The Carl Moore-sponsored Sexton will prepare for his July 14 outing in London with his trip to Germany.

“We have been working hard on a weights programme at the Oasis Sports and Leisure Centre and next week will be going to Germany for sparring with Richel Hersisia, which will be great preparation for Sam - so we expect him to come in in tip-top shape,” said Everett.