Brad makes a bright debut in paid game
Team Willetts celebrate victory over Shane Smith
BEAMING from ear to ear, Brad Willetts described his pro debut as “a night I will never forget, I loved it”.
And there was plenty to like about the former white collar fighter’s shut-out points win over Shane Smith at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, last night. Referee Chris Dean scored the four rounder 40-36 which tallied with my card.
On Tommy Owens’ show, the Dudley light-middle bossed the action behind a fine jab and steadily cranked up pressure. He was calm and collected, no hint of first night nerves.
Calm before storm...Jon Pegg wraps Willetts' hands
Importantly, when Smith staged the expected last round rally – a trait of journeymen, Willetts (10st 11lbs) stayed with him.
Tewkesbury’s Smith hasn’t got enough of the sweet science to merit his “Sugar” nickname, but the traveller is tough, rugged and durable.
Willetts, managed by Jon Pegg, punched it out with him down the stretch and showed he has the spite needed for the pro ranks.
“I can’t wait for the next one,” 24-year-old Brad said. “My jab was sharp and I caught him with some good right hands.
“Maybe I dipped a little in the fourth, but I’m pleased with the performance. It’s a night I’ll never forget. I wasn’t nervous, I just couldn’t wait to get in there. I think it went well.”
It did. Willetts set out his stall in the first, marching forward behind a stiff left lead. Smith (11st 3lbs) clearly felt one right hand and was briefly pinned in a corner during the second round.
Willetts steadily went through the gears, cranking up the pressure in the third, a session that saw him open up with both hands.
Smith, taking part in his sixth contest, attempted to rally in the last, but Brad was prepared to fight fire with fire – and had the better of the exchanges.
Brad can now call himself a professional fighter. It’s much too early to say how far that professional journey will take the likeable Black Country lad, but he made a very bright start last night.
On facebook, Willetts simply posted: “What an amazing night”.
Whatever else happens in his career, he’ll always have the treasured memory of that first amazing night at the Holiday Inn.