Young gun handed early title tilt

And the featherweight prospect is now hunting for backing to make his boxing dreams come true.

Ballingall has been given the chance to move up the boxing rankings with the opportunity to pick up a belt after just four pro contests to date.

And he will be given that shot on home soil – with a Portsmouth fight night announced for July 9.

Floyd Moore will defend his Southern Area lightweight title on the show after a successful clash against Ben Day this month.

The Fareham braveheart is certain to bring his all-action style and army of support out for the event.

But moving Ballingall through the gears at an accelerated rate represents an intriguing move.

After switching to the paid ranks just last year, collecting a belt at the age of just 19 would represent hurtling progress.

The details of the opponent and belt are yet to be confirmed but a significant scalp could bring Ballingall on to the radar of a wider audience and raise his profile in the sport.

Ballingall’s trainer and father, Michael, knows it’s a big ask for the talent so early in his career.

But he is certain he possesses the quality to step up to the challenge.

He said: ‘This is a chance to catapult Lucas into a strong position. People may think it’s a young age to go for a title and we should be thinking about bringing him along.

‘The fact is, though, he’s a talented boxer and if you don’t take these opportunities they could pass you by.

‘There’s been plenty who have done that and retired with their talent unfulfilled.

‘If he wins it increases his ability to sell tickets. And it could put him in line to become a TV boxer and win a contract like that.

‘This could be the birth of a champion from Portsmouth.’

Ballingall is now hoping to be able to focus on boxing full-time moving forward.

But, to do that, the former Moneyfields fighter is going to need funding to focus on making the most of his potential.

Ballingall Snr said: ‘If we want it to happen we need people on board.

‘Lucas has loads of talent but we’ve had to pull him off the last couple of fights because he’s struggled with ticket sales, with his brother on the same show.

‘For his last fight he was working and staying away in London. He has to pay the bills but it leads to him being tired and not getting consistent training. So he’s looking for help.

‘He’s willing to accept living on less money to go for his dreams. He wants to make them a reality.

‘For that commitment now he could be a millionaire down the line.

‘He doesn’t want to let the chance pass him by.’