A FORMER pupil from Ashton-on-Mersey School, had to get himself up off the canvas to overcome a tough opponent in the latest fight in year one of his professional boxing career

Sam Hyde, 20, ended his first year as a professional on a high, after getting up off of the floor in the first round, to beat the tough Jakub Wojcik 39-38 on points at Bowlers Arena in Manchester.

It was a tough test for Sam, but yet another step in the right direction, as he looks forward to what will be a busy 2015, which is scheduled for January 23, at the Phones 4 U Arena, back in Manchester.

As a youngster Sam, whose boxing nickname is 'nowhere to' Hyde, first joined Sale West ABC.

Following his latest triumph Sam said: “It was a tough night in the end. I was moving to the left, doing well, but then I got caught.

“The contest wasn’t close to be honest, but the knock down obviously went against me. I gassed a bit in the fourth, but he was big and strong.

"I’m still learning and as far as I am concerned, that ticks another box.”

Sam's manager Kev Kinsella said: “What happened is another learning curve for Sam. He got the win, which is the important thing.

His trainer Ensley Bingham added: “Sam is big, strong and powerful. We’ve got to go back to the drawing board, watch the tape and put things right. He’s got to use his boxing ability, because in the cruiserweight division you can’t just go out and destroy people.”