BANGOR boxer Peter Salami is set for a tilt at the professional ranks after becoming a European champion.

The gifted slugger easily disposed of Birkenhead’s Chris Davies to win the British Boxing Union middleweight belt, demonstrating his devastating power with a first round stoppage.

After discussing his future with trainer Craig Winter, the 29-year-old is now set to test his immense skill-set on the pro circuit.

Winter, who himself is a former professional, said: “I was absolutely made up with Peter’s performance. As his trainer and mentor, I have to say he has done me very proud, not just because of the way he won tonight but also because of the person he is and the way he conducts himself in and outside the ring.

“Chris was no mug an ex-pro, admittedly past his best but on a winning streak of 15 since joining the unlicensed circuit and fighting under the BBU banner.”

Salami has lost just twice in his last 17 contests against high quality opposition, and Winter now feels the time is right to move up and see what he can achieve against more accomplished fighters as he looks to gain further honours in the future.

“Over the last few weeks Peter and I have been discussing his future path in boxing and we have decided it’s time for a step up to the next level, the pro circuit,” added Winter.

“I've been in talks with my former manager Chris Sanigar and he is interested in taking Peter on. Chris is currently working closely with Frank Warren and Box Nation so television appearances could be very likely for Peter in the future and he has also talked of the possibility of putting on a professional show in North Wales if we had boxers that could pull the crowds in.

Admittedly Peter is no spring chicken to the pro game at 29, but our aim is to take it one step at a time, and to begin with our goal is to become Welsh professional champion so he can become champion of his country.

“Peter is also a professional man who has a good job, so pro boxing training will have to work around his day job which makes it a lot harder but something we are hoping we can make work.

“I think it is the right time to start the next chapter in Pete's life and boxing career and mine as a boxing trainer in the professional game, which I have missed.”