The following is an extract of what it is like to be a professional fighter – in the honest words of a professional fighter. Archie Sharp (11-0-6KO) is an undefeated 22 year old super-featherweight promoted by Frank Warren, highly touted for big things in the future. Here is his story so far.

On the 21st of January 2018 my little boy was born, Presley James Sharp.

I find my mind racing sometimes as these last few days have been very busy and eventful.

Thankfully, I’m in a position where I can train and go home and look after my little boy thanks to the help of my sponsors.

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Now being a dad it has given me a drive that I thought couldn’t be possible as I’ve always envisioned myself as a world champion and now he is here, it has given me even more of a drive to be so.

I’m a family man so when I’m out of the gym I like to spend time with my Mrs, step daughter and now my son.

Family is so important to me and boxing is what will set me up to give them a good life.

Lately I’ve been reading Roberto Duran’s autobiography.

He was one of the best ever lightweights to live, his book inspires me and also educates me as he talks about things that didn’t really do him any favours at some point through his career – so it’s good to read and learn from such a great fighter.

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Boxing is my life and I’ve been boxing since seven.

It’s also a short career as now I’m a pro, so therefore I have to make sure that I make smart investments which excites me and drives me to do well.

I want to be involved on the property ladder and own my own gym, ultimately.

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It would be great to work with up and coming fighters and children in the future. Hopefully I’ll be an inspiration to young children once I’ve cleared up all the belts in my weight.

I would love to be in a position where I can give back to others – that’s what life is all about and treating others how you would like to be treated.

I’ve had help from a lot of people and one day I would love to repay them.

I also do a lot of work with a woman called Linda Keen.

She is my mind coach and she learnt her trade from a man called Tony Quinn who was Steve Collins’ mind coach for the Eubank fight, where he famously out psyched Eubank to beat him not just once, but twice.

This helps me prepare mentally for a fight and also every day life as it keeps me positive and in great shape mentally.

I can see what I want in life and how my fights will plan out. It’s all all about tunnel vision and knowing where I want to go in life.

One day at a time.