Aberdeen’s multiple kickboxing world champion Dean Sutherland has switched to professional boxing having signed up with MTK Global management.
The 19-year-old joins a boxing stable alongside fighters like former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton, WBO middleweight world champ Billy Joe Saunders and former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Sutherland swept to success at world, European and British level and will now box out of the Skyaxe Gym in Dundee under the guidance of Paul Kean sen.
The fighter aims to have as much title success in boxing as he did in a dominant career in kickboxing.
Sutherland said: “I’m absolutely delighted that I’m now signed as a professional boxer with MTK Global in Scotland.
“I’m very grateful to be given this opportunity and really excited for the big things to come in the pro ranks.
“Huge thanks to Sam Kynoch and my team for getting this deal finalised.”
Sutherland simultaneously held world kickboxing titles at 60kg, 62kg, 63.5kg and 65kg before stepping up to the senior ranks.
He then won the 67kg ISKA full contact title with a stoppage defeat of France’s Anthony Duchenne.
Sutherland lost his title in his final kickboxing bout, losing on points to Zachary Evans of England.
The Aberdonian suffered a foot injury in the opening action but went toe to toe over the full five rounds.
MTK Global’s Sam Kynoch said: “Dean is a slick southpaw and an excellent prospect. I have seen first hand, having watched him spar and compete, that he will go far.
“He’s a young man with a lot of drive and he wants to emulate the success he enjoyed in the kickboxing ranks. I’m looking forward to an exciting journey with Dean.”
Dundee lightweight Sean McKiddie has also signed up with MTK Global.
McKiddie was a world-level kickboxer and will train alongside Sutherland under Kean sen at Skyaxe.
Kynoch said: “Sean is a great addition to our stable and has a style which is sure to make him a fan favourite.
“The lightweight division is red hot in Scotland at the moment and it won’t be long before Sean is in the mix with his domestic rivals.”