Brad takes a step-up against tough Lopez

Brad Willetts….continues his education by facing rugged Mexican

I’LL be brutally honest – what Brad Willetts, a young man who entered the pro ranks from the white collar scene, has brought to the table as a pro has surprised me.

I’ll be honest, Willetts has, in peeling off three straight victories, shown himself to be a far better fighter than I expected.

He dominated tough journeyman Shane Smith in his debut, which I felt was a testing baptism. He has shown poise and technique in notching-up a professional hat-trick.

I’m evidently not alone in being impressed by the Dudley light-middle, a 25-year-old with a big following.

Manager Jon Pegg has deemed the boxer worthy of a step-up in opposition for his next outing. He’ll face rugged Mexican Ramiro Garcia Lopez at Birmingham Airport’s Holiday Inn on May 31.

The 32-year-old may have a patchy 8-23 record, his best days may have been at light-welter, but he can bang. Seven of his eight victories have come inside distance.

I was at ringside last year when the gritty Guadalajara body-puncher gave Midlands prospect of the year Niall Farrell a torrid time. Lopez unleashed the trademark Mexican body-shots.

Willetts needs to be alert and box clever.

“This is another big challenge of myself,” Brad said. “From what I’ve seen on recordings, he may be somewhat of a big puncher.”

Willetts, trained by dad Steve and Les Sharratt at Cradley Heath’s Golden Gloves gym, admits even he didn’t expect such a smooth adjustment to the pro code.

“I came in with no amateur background, really,” he said. “It has taken me by surprise, it’s down to the hard work I put in – hard work always beats talent.

“I’ve always had that professional style, I’ve never really liked the fast feet. I’ve always liked the more traditional style.

“I think I’ve overcome the challenges put in front of me in a big way. My trainers and the people I spar say I’m heavy-handed. I haven’t shown it yet because I haven’t needed to.

“I’m loving every minute of being a professional boxer – even the little things like this interview. I know I’m fighting on small halls, but I keep pushing myself in the hope, one day, the TV shows will come.”

Of his loyal supporters, Brad added: “They are a pleasure. The tickets are selling and the new interest is growing.”

Brad Willetts, who entered the game as a mystery man, is rapidly making his mark.