The victory, on a show at Sunderland Live organised by local promoter Matt Jobes, followed his debut win over Doncaster’s Sam Kirk at the same venue back in April. Both of Raybould’s bouts were described as “entertaining and exhilarating”.
“I’d had to wait nearly a year to get my professional boxer’s licence,’ said Raybould, 28.
“I’m proud now to have got a good eight rounds of valuable experience in my first two professional bouts. The fight with Valencia was harder and got somewhat scrappy in the second round as he went all out to get a stoppage.
“I then boxed tightly behind my jab and came out strong to get the win. That’s just the sort of bout I need.
“I’ve enjoyed starting to know how the pro game works and I’m keen to have an active year. I’m going to stay ready 365 days a year so any opportunity that comes I’m ready. I love being in the ring and earning a few quid entertaining people.”
Middleweight Raybould works as a welder and trains at Natural Progression Boxing Academy with Imran Naeem, Henry Mann and Leon Boyce and with Andrew Barton at Active Body Conditioning.
He added: “I also love running and completed the Leeds Half Marathon in May in 83 minutes. I started boxing aged ten and had 27 bouts eventually winning the local TTW elite belt at 75kg and then 80 kg.”
All professional athletes require sponsorship. Raybould is keen to thank his employer Severfield Foundation plus Fire Suppression Scotland Ltd., Inspection Quality Ltd. and ABC Active Body Conditioning for their assistance. Those interested in sponsoring should contact him at Ste Raybould on Facebook, on Instagram @sraybould96 or email ster96@hotmail.co.uk.
