Daniel Aharanov made an explosive start to his professional boxing career after claiming an impressive debut victory against light-middleweight opponent Kevin McCauley.

The 19-year-old from Bat Yam recorded a 40-37 points victory at Camden Town Hall as he underlined his credentials with an action-packed showing.

Fighting under the name Danny 'Kid' Ahrenef, the Israeli fighter showed little sign of nerves and came within a whisker of knocking out his opponent in the second round.

Robert Waterman, Aharanov’s manager and promoter, says he is thrilled with the progress being made by the talented teenager.

"It was an exemplary performance and I'm more than proud of him," said Waterman, who previously worked with Roman Greenberg.

"He was giving away eight pounds to a vastly experienced fighter and a lot of people couldn’t believe that I put him in there on his debut against McCauley.

"But all the feedback has been very positive on what was a very tough fight.

"I wanted to pick somebody to test Danny and show him just how much work he has to do if he wants to reach the top.

"With Roman, I chose easier opponents early on and perhaps that lulled him into a false sense of security.

"But Danny showed his ability and talent. He started very well in the opening two rounds but just couldn’t keep it up towards the end, which I expected.

"He fought at a very fast pace, won the first three rounds and drew the last.

Aharonov began to dream of becoming a boxer at the age of 11 before becoming a successful junior and amateur fighter and winning several medals.

A proud Jew, Aharanov's roots remain important to him with the fighter proud of his religious heritage.

"Danny's such an exciting fighter and it's lovely to have what I would call my first traditional Jewish fighter,” added Waterman.

"He's not religious and he will fight on a Saturday because he knows his career would be over otherwise.

"But he keeps kosher, lays tefilin and wears tzizit."

* Dmitriy Salita has a new opponent for his fight at the Barclays Center on October 20 after original choice Vivian Harris suffered a crushing defeat.

Former world light-welterweight title challenger Salita will now meet Hector Munoz, from New Mexico.