SOUTHAMPTON boxers Gracjan Bak and Mitchell Woollard made winning starts to their professional careers.

The pair were in action in Bournemouth, as part of promoter Steve Bendall's show.

They box out of Pound For Pound Palace gym in Northam Road, Southampton, under the guidance of Gennady Gordienko and Steve Barnes.

Bak was first to debut, against Plymouth's Chris Adaway.

He started cautiously and was a little tense in the opening round with Adaway boxing off the back foot.

But in the second round, Bak settled down and got into his rhythm, landing hurtful shots to body and head forcing Adaway to hold on to survive.

This continued through the rest of the contest as Bak ran out a clear winner on points and took Adaway's overall record to 10-76-4.

Woollard then took to the ring, dispatching of 36-year-old Paul Cummings (3-67-1).

He displayed slick boxing skills with a wide variety of shots, although did not have it all his own way against the wily campaigner.

Woollard took some hurtful right hands, but shrugged them off to claim victory on points at the O2 Academy in Boscombe.

The Southampton duo's manager Gary White said: "It was a great night for both these lads and they were both cheered on by big crowds who supported them brilliantly.

"They would like to thank all their supporters who bought a ticket, they really appreciate it and it made for a great atmosphere.

"I’m hoping to get them both out again before Christmas on a show in Southampton if possible.

"I know promoter Steve Bendall was impressed by them both and the support that came to watch and is working hard to make it happen."

Polish ace Bak, from Rzeszow, has been involved in combat sports since he was seven years old.

Now 29, Bak moved to England in 2012, living in Gloucester originally, before moving to Southampton three years ago.

Originally from Essex, Woollard, 24, now lives in Winchester. He came through the white collar ranks, winning 17 from 20 for Scott Jones at SAS Boxing.