LIAM O'Reilly says he is proof that you're never too old to chase your dreams.

The Riddlesden boxer has turned professional at the ripe old age of 31 and is gearing up for his first fight in the welterweight division next month.

The father-of three juggles his full-time job as an engineer for Keighley company Escalutions with a 90-minute round trip to training at his gym in Accrington most days. He is guided by his trainer Jason Curtis at Kokoro Gym in the Lancashire town and promoter Kevin Maree.

The orthodox right-hander, nicknamed Liam 'Lights Out' O'Reilly, will face an unconfirmed opponent at an event in Colne on Sunday, June 30.

O'Reilly is also targeting a career ahead of at least five years and is looking to win a British title before he retires.

He said: "It's never too late to follow your dreams. My trainer has taught me the same. You're never too old.

"If you put the work in, you can do it. I believe it.

"I have left it a bit late, but I think I've got what it takes. My trainer is happy with me.

"I will do my best and hopefully fight for a title.

"I go to training at least five times a week. Jason pushes me every day.

"My training does fit in around work and I'm lucky that my boss is a boxing fan too. I work away a lot too.

"My trainer Jason is at the gym between 6am and 8pm most days, so he is flexible and I can just ring him up saying I'm coming over.

"I'm looking at being professional for five or six years. If I keep winning fights I will move up quickly. I know how to throw a few punches.

"I also have a number of sponsors including Davidson Site Services, Woodpecker Joinery and Kitchens, Ogden Fibres, Escalutions and Platinum Giveaways.

"My promoter Kevin is looking at putting me in for five or six fights a year."

O'Reilly says boxing taught him self-discipline, especially during his teens when he fought as an amateur and, after a 10-year break from action, the sport also saw him lose a remarkable amount of weight.

He added: "I boxed as an amateur when I was 15 and my last amateur fight was when I was 19. I stopped for 10 years. I had four knock-out fights when I came back and my last one was in November last year.

"Back in the day, I got into a lot of trouble. Boxing saved me. It really sorted me out. Boxing put me back on the straight and narrow.

"I go up to 17-and-a-half stone, but I lost seven stone. My weight is 10stone seven pounds now. My life is going great."