LONDON, England -- As the build-up to anointing Britain's next heavyweight hope continues, the division directly below it is in good hands.

Former WBO beltholder Chris Billam-Smith patiently awaits movement among the division's elites as he seeks to win another title. British champion Viddal Riley and Aloys Junior, the WBA's No. 4-ranked contender, are among those aspiring to reach the upper echelons themselves, while others quietly close the gap on them behind the scenes.

Lucas Roehrig (5-0, 2 KOs) made his professional debut in mid-December and yet his trainer George Groves believes it won't be long before the 22-year-old is among that last group.

"I think within 12 months, he'll be ready for a domestic title – whoever it is – ready to push on and challenge," he told The Ring.

We're at the rehoused Dale Youth amateur boxing gym, previously home to former world champions like Daniel Dubois, Groves and his arch-rival James DeGale. David Adeleye, who fell short against Dubois' former foe Filip Hrgovic as part of Saturday's DAZN PPV event in Saudi Arabia, is among other notable names that have frequented the Ladbroke Grove area.

"There have been loads of good Dale Youth products, guys that have boxed for England and Team GB, but Roehrig is the standout over the past half-decade," Groves said. "So far, so good, and he'll be moving up to eight-rounders. Someone to be excited about."

Roehrig, who has sparred the likes of Ring and IBF champion Jai Opetaia, Billam-Smith and WBC titleholder Badou Jack, has unique benefits few can boast in a well-connected trainer-manager exposing him to various experiences.

Whether that's being ringside for an undisputed heavyweight title fight or boxing in a football stadium's conference suite, he's being maneuvered at a steady pace and that should stand him in good stead for a successful career.

So when Groves talks about domestic titles, what does he mean? Southern Area, English and work your way up from there?

"No. British and Commonwealth, those are the serious titles. That should headline TV shows, that's where he'll be at," Groves said. "I'm not saying he'll beat Viddal Riley right now, but whoever it is in a year's time, he'll be at that level."

Riley, who unseated Cheavon Clarke to win the Lonsdale title on the Eubank-Benn undercard April 26, already has a ready-made first defence against Aloys Junior in the offing.

Aloys' one-paced points win over one-time world title challenger Ellis Zorro last month would've limited interest from a casual audience, but the matchup still makes sense.

"Pat Brown just turned over," Groves said. "I'm a huge fan of Aloys, progressing at an alarming rate under Ben Davison. Lucas has done rounds with him, Vidal, those guys in and amongst his level but slightly above him. I'm trying to expose him to the world, nurture but also move him purposefully, so people stand up and take notice."

Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn already has big hopes for 2024 Olympian Brown (3-0, 3 KOs) while newly-minted English champion John Hedges (11-0, 3 KOs) wants the same recognition as his development continues under 2024 Hall of Fame inductee Ricky Hatton.

Groves delves deeper into the benefit of using a deep contacts book well, having been privileged enough to box in Las Vegas, San Jose and Germany through Hayemaker Boxing and Golden Boy from 2009 into the early 2010s.

Roehrig has previously revealed a desire to travel the world, competing in as many countries as possible to soak up new cultures, environments and cultivate experiences "interconnected with boxing."

When that's put to the 37-year-old masterminding his career, he warmly reminisces before linking it with a sad development close to home.

"For me, fighting in Vegas at the Mandalay Bay, San Jose in California and different German cities were incredible experiences and if I can get it for Lucas, that will be good too. Maybe an under-the-radar fight or two as well," Groves said.

"Campbell Hatton retired recently and that was sad to hear, because he was thrust into the limelight too quickly under the guise of his dad. As he's finding his feet, it would've been great to get him out on a little Miami or L.A. show, keep him busy and learn away from home without the pressure of the spotlight.

"Sometimes you need that pressure, other times you don't. It's important to experience everything, so when it's your turn to shine, you've felt and tasted what's to come."

Having stopped former two-time English light heavyweight champion Joel McIntyre after three rounds in his pro debut, Roehrig received the big sell from Groves before his Sky Sports debut as part of the Adam Azim-Sergey Lipinets undercard on Feb. 1.

"He complained that he was tired, and I just laughed," Groves said. "I can get him to run up and down Richmond Hill 10 times with no problem, but can you still be fresh after 20 interviews? You've got to answer the same question 15 different times, different ways, give people something new, while juggling your personal life in the background.

"If I can show him the ways, knowing what he feels, that's my USP, the highs and lows, everything in between. Ultimately, the buck falls with him."

So then, for those who haven't watched him yet, what is Roehrig's best attribute?

Groves pauses as he thinks, but he's distracted by a repeated thudding sound in the distance. Lucas is whacking the punch machine, and his trainer can't help but watch on.

"I'm not sure yet," Groves said. "He's fast, strong and powerful but far from reaching his peak in terms of those attributes. He'll naturally become a bigger man, only starting to fill out now at 22, but he'll be a big cruiserweight. He's teachable so I can show him things which translate through into his game. He's shown mental resilience. I had it, something you can't take for granted.

"Sometimes things aren't instinctive, they need to be developed but you're only able to do it by exposing them to those situations, and I'm doing that, building and progressing without drowning. So far, so good."