Nelson Bay's Aaron Cocco was that special athlete some 10-12 years ago - fighting in the amateur ranks, winning state and national belts, there were even discussions about qualifying for the Olympics.

But it was not to be. In his own words, Cocco, at age 18, followed a different path in life which saw him drift away from the sport.

Now aged 27, married with a two-year-old daughter and a second child on the way, a more mature Cocco is back in Nelson Bay - where he has established Next Level Boxing in Salamander Bay - and has returned to the ring having reignited his passion for the sport.

And this time he means business.

Taking on the moniker of 'The Assassin', Cocco has taken the giant step into professional boxing and will be making his debut in the pro fight ranks in the main event on Saturday, July 10, at Doyalson RSL Club.

His opponent is the more experienced Jeff King, from Sydney, who has had eight professional bouts.

"I don't know too much about him apart from the fact that he has a MMA [mixed martial arts] background and that he is a respected veteran of the sport," said Cocco, who won 25 of his 27 fights as an amateur.

"It has been more than a decade since I've been in the ring, but I have been training with my coach Nathan Swadling, from Newcastle, every day in the lead up, doing strength and conditioning work, 5am swims at Tomaree pool, as well as long distance bike riding and running on weekends.

"My plan after this fight is to get a few more professional bouts under my belt and hopefully move on to the NSW titles next year."

Cocco is well aware of the strong support for the sport of boxing in the Bay.

"I would not be able to step into the ring without the great community support from sponsors and businesses in the Bay. I am determined to put Port Stephens back on the map in boxing," he said.

"There are three amateur fighters who train at Next Level Boxing on the undercard on the night and we are expecting a huge contingent of Bay people on the night. We have even organised a bus out of Nelson Bay."

Included on the undercard are Shaun Moonen, from Corlette, who will be fighting in the 62kg weight, veteran Adam 'Red Dog' Dawkings in the 88kg division, and making his amateur debut is Boat Harbour's Alex Sharp in the 85kg weight division.

When he opened his gym in George Road 12 months ago, Cocco said that he wanted to provide an alternative to those teenagers who may feel isolated or lost.

"Unfortunately, there is not much for teenagers to do growing up here if they don't surf. I want the gym to be a place where people with life experiences can mentor and guide young kids when things get a little tough."

Gym membership has grown to around 50 - made up of 30 men and 20 women of all ages.