Brad looking to build on a sparkling debut
Brad Willetts….in action at Holiday Inn. Pic: Through the Lens Photography
A PRO fighter’s second fight is a little like a musician’s second album – it can be more difficult.
It’s certainly often a harder sell when it comes to tickets.
After a sparkling debut at Birmingham Airport’s Holiday Inn last month, Brad Willetts steps back through the ropes at the same venue on the afternoon of Sunday, December 1.
The Dudley welter believes the emotions will be very different for this four rounder. “The first night nerves have gone,” Brad said. “I think I can go into it very calm. I was pleased with the way I boxed last time. It was a bit of a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to be a professional boxer.”
Brad, trained by dad Steve and Les Sharratt at Cradley Heath’s Golden Gloves gym, looked very purposeful in taking every round against Shane Smith, a journeyman who has scored upset wins.
He boxed well and really opened up in the final session.
The 24-year-old former white collar boxer knows he needs to build on that display.
“I want every fight to be an improvement on the last one,” Brad said. “Keep learning throughout my career so I can get to where I want to get.
“One of the main things we’ve been working on is just boxing because I do like to get stuck in. Calm down and keep a level head.
“I sold around 120 tickets for my debut and I want to do around 100 each time. But I’m a realist – the further you go to box, the harder it is for people to come and watch you.”
Brad, a warehouse packer by day, comes from a boxing background - Dad was an amateur, his grandfather a Royal Navy champ. Brad had a handful of junior bouts with Priory Park and, as a senior, competed on the white-collar circuit. He lost only one of nine.
“I don’t like to set a limit for myself,” he said. “Down the line, I’d like to fight for titles and get on big shows, but I known I’ve got to work for my opportunities. I’m not going to be handed anything on a silver plate, and I wouldn’t want it that way.”
Frankly, I was surprised by how polished and assured Brad looked in his debut. He set a high standard.
It’s now about making sure that standard doesn’t slip. That’s the hard part.