Brad and Troy - top title fight on a show crammed with talent
Poster to announce the mouth-watering Midlands title clash
BRADLEY Goldsmith, the Coventry middle with a mighty fanbase, has finally been given the title fight and big arena opportunity he has craved for so long.
The dazzling prospect, unbeaten in 12, will challenge Troy Coleman for the Burntwood boxer’s Midlands title.
It’s a mouthwatering contest on Boxxer’s mouthwatering Easter Sunday, April 20, show at Birmingham’s BP Pulse Live venue. In the headliner, Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron meet again after their first encounter ended in a draw when both toppled over the ropes.
On the undercard, Stourbridge “Savage” Sam Eggington faces Lee Cutler in a sure-fire thriller.
For 26-year-old Goldsmith, who trains in Sheffield under Dominic Ingle, it is a first appearance on a nationally televised stadium show. The call is overdue.
“It has been a long time coming,” he said. “It feels like I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this for a long, long time, but I always knew it was going to come – and what a place, what a time in terms of the card and the location.”
Bradley Goldsmith….Coventry prospect with an army of fans
Fans will be out in force for the former amateur star’s big night – he has a huge following. Nothing official, but I understand hundreds of tickets have already been snapped-up – and the contest was only announced 24 hours ago.
In Coleman, Brad faces one of the game’s true, battle-hardened warriors. The fact Troy’s chosen such a top calibre opponent for his first title defence is a measure of the man’s mettle.
Troy is fully prepared and “up” for the challenge. “I’m ready to put on a show,” he told me. “What’s given me the confidence is the preparation and experience.”
He is a globe-trotter with gloves. The 29-year-old travelled to Thailand to further his ring career, collected a clutch of titles, returned home and fought magnificently to beat Tom Cowling for the Midlands belt.
“I know I have a tough night ahead of me,” Goldsmith said. “It is something I’m training very hard for, he is someone who is coming to win. With it being for the Midlands area title, it throws in that extra bit of spice. There’s something at stake. Throw all the ingredients into the mix and you have the makings for an exciting fight.”
With eight of his wins coming early, Goldsmith brings power and excitement to the ring.
He added: “Myself and the people who know me think an opportunity like this is long overdue. I knew my time would come and it’s an opportunity I’m going to take with both hands. It’s down to me now.”
Troy Coleman…globe-trotter with gloves. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB
Coleman said: “I’m buzzing. I’ve had a good camp, loads of time, I’m feeling great, I’m doing good things in the gym.
“It’s a hard fight, but that’s the way it’s been throughout my career. I believe I’ve taken harder fights with less preparation, I’m ready to challenge myself. The card is full of 50-50 fights and this is just one more great fight.”
He added: “I know Brad. We sparred years ago, maybe five years ago. I know he has a good amateur pedigree, he hasn’t put a foot wrong as a pro.
“I have my own experiences, I’m on my own journey and believe I can beat him.”