Hamilton (Bermuda), Feb 3 (IANS/CMC): Bermudian welterweight boxer Nikki Bascome is set to make his professional debut later this month after deciding to leave the amateur ranks.

Bascome, 23, who has not fought since a points’ victory over Argentina’s Matthew Abregu at Berkeley Institute 12 months ago, will make his debut against an as yet unnamed opponent in a four-round bout Feb 22 in Haines City, Florida, reports CMC.

Bascome believes the time is right to become a pro after eight years honing his craft under the eye of trainer Allan Rego.

“This is new to me, so I’m just trying to take it as it comes and learning as much as I can,” Bascome told the Royal Gazette newspaper.

“Turning professional has not been a big transition for me. I’m used to training hard and I know what it takes in terms of the diet and all of that.

“I don’t know my opponent and I will leave that to my coaches. Once I get my foot in the door, I want to make some money and then get out.”

Despite long periods of inactivity during his undefeated 10-bout amateur career, Bascome said he always committed to training, regardless of whether there was a bout on the horizon.

He admits he still gets nervous when he steps between the ropes to face an opponent, but says the jitters vanish as soon as the bell rings for round one.

“My time as an amateur was a little frustrating, but I knew my chance would come and I’ve tried not to be in a rush,” Bascome said.

“I’ve had a long wait for fights when nothing really happened and I wasn’t being active, but I’ve always been training. I get nervous -- it’s all part of the game -- but when you fight it all goes away. I’m eight years in now and I’ve learnt that nerves are temporary. They always go away when the bell goes.”

He added: “It’s going to feel a bit different fighting as a professional,” he said. “It’s your life on the line without the headgear, but I’ll get used to it. I’ll be all right.”