George Groves admitted his relief after plunging into the unknown last Saturday.
The two-time ABA middleweight champion made his pro debut at super-middleweight and dominated his six-rounder against tough-as-nails Lithuanian Kirill Pshonko.
And despite relishing every moment of his first taste of the big time, the 20-year-old from Hammersmith revealed his torment going into the bout.
"It was a bit like walking downstairs into the dark," he said. "You've done it before, but you still don't know what's
in front of you this time. I'm so glad I did six rounds. Adam (Booth, trainer) asked: 'What do you want?' I said I want to get as far away from the amateurs as possible, so I'll start with a six and make a statement."
Groves rammed home the message loud and clear in front of a packed arena on the undercard of David Haye versus Monte Barrett.
He set an unrelenting pace, stalking the tentative Lithuanian in his orthodox stance, left arm low, right arm cocked for the power-punch.
He gave special attention to Pshonko's torso, digging away at his ribs and peppering jabs, trying to open his tight guard.
In the second he found his range and delivered a telling uppercut through
Pshonko's guard, snapping back the head of the Lithuanian, who acknowledged the shot.
But the defensive Pshonko was durable and soaked up the pressure.
Groves is intent on facing tough opponents who get progressively better and believes his first test was a solid starting point.
"I'm happy they brought him in - he's the toughest Lithuanian I've ever seen," said Groves. "He was definitely from a martial arts background. I've been there myself and know it better than most."
George is eager to get back in the ring and aims to fight in December or January in a regular, six-eight week fight schedule. He added: "I want to box all over the country."
