KEIGHLEY boxer Muhammad Ali will make his long awaited start to his professional career on February 22.

The 23-year-old gained his pro license from the British Boxing Board of Control in November after serving a two-year suspension from boxing for testing positive to the muscle growth steroid, Trenbolone.

Last month, it was announced that Ali would join forces with legendary promoter Frank Warren.

Warren's Queensland Promotions boasts several of British boxing's biggest stars with Tyson Fury and Josh Warrington under his stewardship.

You may also recognise the Hall of Famer's name in from past greats Nigel Benn, Amir Khan and Ricky Hatton who he has each promoted in his 40 years in the game.

Ali, who will make his opening appearance in a four rounder at the York Hall, is proud to be joining a stable among such illustrious names and is raring to launch his attack on the professional ranks.

Firstly speaking on his link up with Warren, the flyweight said: "I was looking to turn professional after everything that happened, and I thought this was the best move for me.

"I found out that Frank Warren was interested and just thought he was the best man to come too.

"It is my aim to become world champion like them (Fury and Warrington) and achieve big things in the sport.

"I have been out for two/three years so I just want to get back out there and fight, that is my main aim.

"I have just come back into training after the new year to get ready for the four rounder.

"I am excited and I just want to move on, I can do something about it now, I don’t have to live in the past no more."

Ali had a decorated amateur career going to an Olympic games in 2016, losing out on a quarter final place in Rio, and gaining silver medals in the 2014 World Youth Championships and 2016 European Championships.

The former Bradford college student has even sparred the likes of West Yorkshire pair Warrington and Kid Galahad in the past.

Ali believes he can enjoy even more success as a pro with the paid ranks suiting his style more.

He said: "I want to achieve more as a pro than I did as an amateur.

"I feel like it is more suited to my game, the longer the rounds are better for my style.

"I will just take each fight as it comes and go from there."