ROSS Cooksey is hoping to kickstart his career after joining the same stable as fellow Barrow boxers Liam Conroy and Mike McGoldrick.

The featherweight, who has six wins from six since turning professional just under two years ago, only had two contests last year which saw him beat Ricky Starkey and Elvis Guillen on points.

Cooksey has now signed a deal with MTK Global and is optimistic he can build on the promising start he has made in the paid ranks.

“I was quite inactive last year, so it should hopefully now be a busy year and I’m excited to get back in there,” said Cooksey.

“I want to build on what I’ve achieved so far. MTK have been getting lots of their boxers into big fights and there are great opportunities with them.

“Liam Conroy is a good friend of mine and he’s always told me good things.”

The 26-year-old Barrow ABC graduate has kept a close watch on the progress of Conroy, who fights Joshua Buatsi for the vacant British light-heavyweight title next month and is aiming to emulate his friend’s success.

“MTK have done a great job with Liam and I’m sure they can do one with me too,” said Cooksey.

“Jono Carroll is another who a few years ago talked about maybe retiring, but then he teamed up with MTK and now he’s got a world title shot, so I’m delighted to be joining them.”