Three fights, three wins and a dream start to life as a professional boxer. But for Murrow middleweight Harley Burrows, the journey is only just beginning.

He talks to West Norfolk sports editor Greg Plummer about his remarkable rise through the amateur ranks, the people who have shaped his career, the sacrifices behind his success and his ambition to reach the very top of the sport.

At just 20 years old, Harley Burrows has already experienced moments that many aspiring boxers can only dream about.

From winning a national amateur title against the odds to signing with leading promoter Eddie Hearn, the Murrow fighter has enjoyed a whirlwind rise through the sport.

Now unbeaten in his first three professional contests, Burrows is determined to make the most of the opportunities coming his way.

And while he is delighted with his start, the talented middleweight believes he has already learned some valuable lessons.

"I couldn't ask for a better start," he said.

"From the amateurs to what I'm doing now, it's a dream come true. I feel like that's all down to training as hard as I could when I was younger."

His professional debut provided an early education, particularly when it came to controlling his emotions and resisting the temptation to go looking for a spectacular knockout.

"I feel like even during fight week and the months leading up to it, I've got people in my ear saying you're this, you're that, knock him out," he explained.

"I'm thinking, yeah, I'm the man, I'm going to go there and clear him out.

"Then you learn the hard way. They're tricky, they'll chuck you about, and these men are experienced. They know what they're doing.

"I feel like it's a completely different sport compared to the amateurs. But it was a good learning curve for me, definitely.

"I learned loads from my first fight, to relax and not load up. It's so much better to learn now than later down the line."

That growing maturity has been evident in his subsequent performances, with Burrows increasingly comfortable under the bright lights.

From family sparring sessions to national champion

Burrows' introduction to boxing came through his competitive relationship with brother Jenson.

Growing up in a sporting family, the pair would regularly turn the living room into their own makeshift boxing ring, much to the frustration of their parents.

"When I was at school, about 12 or 13, me and my brother Jenson would always be in the living room fighting," he recalled.

"We'd drive my mum and dad crazy. We'd have gloves on and pretend to walk out in these Muay Thai kits.

"It was brutal, really. We'd be sparring with six or eight-ounce gloves and battering each other."

Both brothers eventually made their way into a boxing gym, before Harley began training at March Boxing Club.

But his early commitment was far from perfect.

"I never really took it seriously to begin with," he admitted.

"I was always going out, having late nights, eating rubbish and not taking the training seriously."

That changed when he began enjoying success in national development competitions.

After winning his first title despite limited preparation, Burrows realised he might have a future in the sport.

"I thought maybe I should start doing a bit more," he said.

"I started running and dedicating myself more, then won another development title. I stopped three out of the four opponents, so I thought I've got something here."

Further success followed, including representing England and competing in the Three Nations, before a national youth title helped convince him to commit fully to boxing.

By the time he moved into senior amateur competition, Burrows was regularly taking on older and more experienced opponents.

His crowning achievement came when he won the senior ABA title, defying expectations in a fiercely competitive section of the draw.

"Dave Cole, my amateur coach, and I were there practising the game plan, being the underdog," he said.

"Winning the way I did and getting a fight-of-the-year award for it, that's the achievement.

"I think a lot of people overlook that title now. Back in the day, it was a massive title, and a lot of people would have loved to have had it."

The victory proved a major turning point and helped open the door to international opportunities and, ultimately, the professional ranks.

The coach who changed his life

Throughout his journey, one person has remained a constant influence: March Boxing Club coach Dave Cole.

Burrows makes no secret of the debt he owes his former amateur trainer, whose influence has extended far beyond boxing.

"I wouldn't be boxing if it wasn't for Dave, definitely," he said.

"Some people can go into the gym and be naturally good, but I wasn't one of them. I needed guiding.

"With him, it wasn't just the boxing he guided me with; it was everything.

"I was going out sometimes, being a bit of a menace, and he'd always put me on the right path and give me the right manners."

Their relationship remains close, with Dave continuing to offer advice as Burrows navigates the demands of professional boxing.

"If I'm in interviews and say the wrong thing, he'll pull me up on it," Burrows explained.

"He'll say, 'What did you say that for? If you want to be great, you've got to be humble.'

"I'll always trust what he says because I wouldn't be on the path I'm on now without him."

Burrows also admires the extraordinary commitment his coach has shown to generations of young fighters.

"We've driven six or seven hours away on a Friday night and not come back until Monday, just for a fight," he said.

"Even before my last three fights, he's been in the gym with me early in the morning, just the two of us.

"Who else would do that? The amount of time he's spent helping the younger lads and me is unbelievable. He loves the sport."

Dave's old-school philosophy, built around hard work, discipline and dedication, continues to shape Burrows' approach.

Inspired by Tyson and Taylor

When it comes to boxing heroes, Burrows has always been fascinated by former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson.

"I'd always say Mike Tyson is my biggest idol," he said.

"I've read every biography of him and watched every clip and film with him."

It is not simply Tyson's explosive fighting style that appeals to him, but the dedication that defined his early career under legendary trainer Cus D'Amato.

"The way he trained in his early career, he wanted it so badly," Burrows said.

"He was dedicated and brutal to the sport. That's what I look up to.

"I feel like him and Cus were a bit like Dave and me. They say the same sort of things."

However, a recent trip to watch Irish boxing superstar Katie Taylor has given Burrows another perspective on what he hopes to achieve.

"Watching Katie Taylor was probably one of the best sporting experiences I've ever had," he said.

"The way people were with her was just crazy.

"Normally, when you have boxing, people leave after the fight, but they all stayed for her. They were all there for her.

"I'd love to have a legacy as she has."

A family driven by sporting success

Sport has always played a major part in the Burrows household.

While Harley chose boxing, brothers Josh and Harrison followed the footballing route, with Harrison progressing to Championship football with Sheffield United.

Burrows admits watching his brother perform in front of thousands of supporters is a source of enormous pride.

"I look up to my brother because what he's doing in the sport at the minute is incredible," he said.

"A lot of young kids would love to be in his position as a footballer. That's down to hard work as well, and he's got a lot of natural ability."

There is also a friendly rivalry between the siblings, particularly Harley and Jenson, who was himself a talented boxer and is now pursuing a career as a stunt performer.

"Jenson and I have got the most competition because he used to be in the boxing gym as well," Burrows explained.

"The amount of rounds we've sparred, it gets really competitive.

"Obviously, because he's your brother, you can start leathering each other. If it's one of your mates, you can't really do that.

"We've always pushed each other, and it's definitely helped me in my career."

His older sister, who lives in Australia, was also involved in sport, particularly gymnastics, while his youngest sister is still only four.

Burrows briefly pursued rugby himself, playing at school and spending time with Northampton Saints, which involved regular journeys to Cambridge with his mother.

But boxing ultimately won his heart.

"I feel like it's much more of an independent sport," he said.

"I've always been a big believer that you should trust in yourself and rely on yourself.

"I know team sports are great, but I just prefer that individual side of sport."

The sacrifices behind the success

Life as a professional boxer has brought significant changes to Burrows' daily routine.

His training now takes him to Liverpool, where he spends much of the week working alongside established professionals and world champions.

It is a demanding schedule, both physically and mentally.

"On a Monday morning, I wake up at about five and drive four hours to Liverpool," he explained.

"I stay there for the week and drive to the gym and back every day.

"You're probably training four or five hours a day, but what I've learned now is that you can overdo it.

"If you overtrain, it does you more harm than good."

Burrows admits he has sometimes needed to be held back by his team because of his desire to train constantly.

"You have to know your body," he said. "It's a fine art learning how to peak and when to peak.

"That's why I'm around the right people at the minute, making sure I don't peak too early."

The chance to work alongside world-class fighters has been invaluable.

"There are world champions in the gym now, and just watching them train and seeing how they are is incredible," he said.

"They've been there and done it, and I aspire to be like them.

"You see little tricks in sparring that you've never seen before. Even the way they train pushes you.

"When you're training, and you're slacking, and you see them watching you, you want to train a bit harder."

Another major influence has been former European and Commonwealth champion, Jordan Gill.

The pair have developed a close friendship, with Gill offering guidance both inside and outside the ring.

"Jordan's been a massive help in my career," Burrows said.

"He's taken loads of time to help me get where I am now. We've done hours and hours in the gym.

"In my last fight, we practised a move over and over again. You land the shot and follow up with a double jab and backhand.

"I did that, and it landed perfectly.

"He's still one of my closest mates. He's not just looked at me as a prospect; he's wanted to help me as a friend as well."

Gill has also introduced Burrows to influential figures in boxing, helping him make the transition from promising amateur to professional prospect.

A promise to Eddie Hearn

One of the most remarkable moments in Burrows' journey came when he first met Eddie Hearn.

Having travelled to a professional show at Sheffield Arena with Gill after competing in the ABAs, Burrows approached the Matchroom Boxing promoter with a bold prediction.

"I said to him, 'You're going to sign me,'" he recalled.

"He said, 'Yeah, one day.'

"And then a year later he signed me."

For Burrows, becoming part of Hearn's promotional stable is a source of considerable pride.

"It's a privilege," he said.

"You see the stuff he's done for the sport and the fighters he's got. The opportunities he's given me are crazy, and I'm grateful to be part of his team."

He has also been impressed by Hearn on a personal level.

"He's a lovely bloke, to be fair. He's always got time to have a chat with you.

"He's huge as well! You don't realise how big he is until you meet him."

The feeling of walking into the ring

Despite the increasing attention surrounding his career, Burrows insists he is becoming more comfortable with the pressures of professional boxing.

His most recent ring walk was particularly memorable.

"I really enjoyed that one," he said.

"People don't understand, when you're walking from the changing room, you're not with your team. You're walking on your own.

"You look behind you, and there are cameras, and you're just in your own mind, your own world."

The confidence comes from knowing he has prepared properly.

"That was the hardest I've ever trained for a fight," he said.

"I've got a whole new team, I've trained differently, and I've left no stone unturned.

"Whatever the outcome was, I knew I'd given it 100 per cent.

"I hadn't cheated the diet, hadn't cheated anything. That's all you can ask for."

On fight nights, strength and conditioning coach Johnny Reynolds plays a key role in preparing Burrows for battle.

The final moments before entering the ring are carefully structured, with warm-ups, pad work and shadowboxing followed by a countdown to his entrance.

"For me, it's when they come in and say you've got ten minutes," Burrows explained.

"That's when it starts to feel real.

"You're getting your hands wrapped, laughing, then you're warming up, doing pads, and the cameras come in.

"Then you know it's happening."

And while his brother Harrison gets to experience the roar of football crowds every weekend, Burrows believes the intensity of a boxing ring walk is difficult to match.

"I love the buzz of walking out in front of thousands of people," he said.

"Nothing can match that adrenaline.

"If I could fight every week, I would. Obviously, injury-wise, you wouldn't want to be getting punched in the head all the time!"

Power, heart and a champion's mentality

Ask Burrows about his greatest strength inside the ring, and he points to two qualities: power and determination.

"Probably my power, but I'd say my heart as well," he said.

"I've shown that loads in the amateurs. I haven't had to show it yet in the pros, but when it's time to dig deep, I know I can.

"I feel like I get better as the later rounds go along."

He is also acutely aware of the dangers of the sport and the concentration required to compete at the highest level.

"It's one of those sports where if you switch off for two or three seconds, you're going to get knocked out," he said.

"These are men. They're going to be just as fit and just as strong as you, so you can't afford to switch off.

"One shot can change your whole life and your whole career path."

That awareness has only strengthened his determination to make every training session count.

Although he dreams of winning titles, Burrows is realistic about the time it may take to reach that level.

"I'm only 20," he said.

"Some people don't start going pro until they're 24 or 25.

"I feel like after ten fights you might be at that sort of stage, but I'm fighting decent opponents now, experienced and tough guys who are going to bring me along.

"It's about getting that experience and becoming more comfortable in the ring. I'm not in a rush. I'm not even in my prime yet."

Giving something back to Fenland

Despite his increasingly demanding schedule, Burrows has not forgotten the people and organisations who helped him reach this point.

He remains involved with March Boxing Club and Boxcross, where he enjoys passing on his experience to younger fighters.

"Boxcross has been a big part of my journey," he said.

"They helped me massively, even when I was an amateur, and sponsored me.

"I always like to try and pass knowledge on, whether that's at Boxcross or March."

Helping youngsters develop their skills has become particularly rewarding.

"When the kids listen to what you say, and then you see them doing it, I get a real buzz from that," he said.

"I think to be a master at something, you have to teach it as well.

"It helps me too, because you're thinking about the movements and getting everything right."

Burrows is also keen to see other local sportsmen succeed, including fellow middleweight Sean Simpson.

Although the two compete in the same weight division, Burrows does not envisage them meeting in the ring any time soon.

"He's a good friend of mine," he said.

"I see him at shows, and I like watching him. I like to see him do well.

"I think he's on his own path and I'm on a different path, so I don't think so.

"I'd like to see him go on and win a Midlands title or something like that."

He also enjoys watching local football whenever his schedule allows, with friends involved at clubs including Wisbech, March and Bourne.

For Burrows, the support he receives from people across Fenland is something he never takes for granted.

"I've got some good people who come and watch me consistently," he said.

"At my last fight, I looked into the crowd, and people were shouting my name. It felt pretty surreal.

"Everyone from around here likes to see their local lad do well, which is great."

The dream is only getting bigger

With three professional victories behind him, Burrows is eager to maintain his momentum and continue climbing the middleweight ranks.

At the time of the interview, he was hoping to return to the ring before Christmas, although no date or venue had been confirmed.

His long-term ambition, however, is unmistakable.

He wants to become a champion, and he is prepared to dedicate his life to achieving that goal.

Looking back on his extraordinary rise, Burrows admits even he struggles to comprehend how quickly everything has happened.

"The last year has been the craziest 12 months of my life," he said.

"I would never have thought I'd be sitting here in the position I am now.

"If someone had told me a year ago what was going to happen, I'd have said they were joking.

"So who knows what another year could bring?

"I'm really excited for the journey. I just know that if I give it my all, things will keep moving forward."

For a young fighter whose boxing journey began with sparring sessions against his brother in the family living room, the transformation has been remarkable.

But while the surroundings have changed, the ambition and determination remain the same.

And if Burrows has his way, those first three professional victories will be just the beginning of a much bigger story.