DEAN Corrigan knows all about flooring. He sells it, and also carries it out in the boxing ring, after winning six of his nine fights by a knockout.

Now, after his latest success on Saturday at the Elepehant and Castle Leisure Centre, he is in the semi-finals of the prestigious National ABA Championships.

The 21-year-old light-heavyweight from Oaklands Avenue in Sidcup, did not even have to leave his stool after his intended opponent, Dave Moore, who was due to be representing the Midland Counties, scratched through illness, giving Corrigan a walk-over.

Corrigan will now meet Chris Dixon, representing the North West Counties, in the semis, also being held at the Elephant and Castle Leisure Centre on December 2.

A win there and success in the next years final should open the way for Dean to turn professional.

Already the holder of the London Regional ABA title, Dean is still in the novice class, which is for boxers who have had fewer than 50 fights.

Dean served for four years in the Parachute Regiment, based in Aldershot, where he made the rank of lance corporal.

The former Cleeve Park schoolboy decided to leave the forces to concentrate on a career in boxing.

Im currently working as a salesman for a flooring company but I hope to turn pro if can I win the ABA title.

One thing Dean does not lack is confidence and for a man who has only been boxing for a year, he has made a tremendous impact.

A member of the Broad Street Club based in Tower Hill, Dean is sponsored by Colts Cabs, run by Michael Glassman in Bethnal Green.

He was a raw recruit when he started, but with the help of his three trainers, John Gledd, Terry Henry and Terry Copperweight he has not looked back since his first fight, which he won in the first round.

Dean is a great admirer of former World Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson. Usually, he is not in the ring for very long, and look at the money he has made.