Bethnal Green next for busy welter Daryl

Daryl Pearce…faces unbeaten opponent at York Hall

GOOD to see tough Daryl Pearce’s career gaining a head of steam. The man is in demand.

Tomorrow, Friday, March 10, the Birmingham warrior again takes his show on the road.

Daryl faces Surrey welterweight Alfie Winter – unbeaten in five - at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

If he comes through that unscathed, the 29-year-old is slated to face Ashley Marron in Bolton 14 days later, then Harry Webb, in Plymouth, on April 1.

It’s easy to see why Daryl is so popular with matchmakers and promoters. He comes to fight, usually pushes prospects the full distance and helps mould future contenders.

He may have won only one of 16 – that victory coming in his debut, but the bald statistics are misleading. He’s faced tough opposition, away from home and often at short notice.

The road warrior represents the sport’s less glamorous side.

On his facebook site, Pearce, from Rednal, summed-up what boxing means to him: “When I think and see where I've got to from the road I was going down, I’m proud of where I've got to.

“I've achieved more than I was probably expected to when I was younger. It ain’t been an easy road here, but I’ve done it. Had to learn the hard way, but I got there eventually - and this is just the start.”

Guided by Spencer McCracken Snr and Jnr, Daryl told me: “To be honest, we’re still trying to find my best fighting weight. I came in lighter last time out and this fight is at 10st 7lbs. Most of my past fights have been at 11st (light-middle).”

“The McCrackens have brought back my old style. Before turning pro, my best shots were body shots. I hardly threw one as a pro, but now they’ve got me working on them.”