Businessman Butlin to make pro debut

Dave Butlin…joins super-middle ranks next month

ON Saturday, March 11, at Coventry Sport Connexions, an army of supporters will welcome Dave Butlin to the ring for his pro debut.

The 28-year-old newcomer will juggle life as a super-middle with a busy and buoyant business career. He’s boss of Bargain Depot, a thriving Birmingham based company buying and selling end-of-line stock.

He’ll be in good company on the big night. The bill is topped by local heroes Danny Quartermaine and River Wilson-Bent.

The product of Tamworth ABC, where he had 20 fights, winning 15 and taking Midlands honours, Butlin looks like being a ticket-seller. He expects around 200 fans to witness his pro baptism.

In his corner will be old amateur trainer Alan Keast.

“I’m 28 and was struggling to fit amateur boxing around my work,” Butlin, who hails from Sutton Coldfield, said. “I think the pros will suit me better.

“I reached a national final and won a tournament in Sweden. At 28, I felt it was the right time.

“There’ll be nerves on the night, but good nerves. At the start, as an amateur, I was always nervous, now I’m more chilled about everything.

“Obviously, there’s the adrenaline when your hands are wrapped, but it just goes as you start to hit the bag.

“I’m confident with Alan Keast in the corner and what he does – there’s that trust basis.”

Butlin’s style is more about tactics than tear-ups.

“I’m very much my own style,” he said. “If someone wants a dog-fight, I’ll stick to my style, I’ll stick to what I know. I’ve got that technical background from the coaches at Tamworth.

“If someone wants a dog-fight I’ll stick to what I know. I don’t go looking for knockouts.”

Butlin, like the businessman he is, begins the pro journey with both feet firmly on the ground. He added: “I think it’s a bit early to make predictions, but I think I can get to British level, certainly Midlands.”

We’ll know more about the newcomer after March 11, but one thing’s for sure: For the yet unnamed opponent facing Butlin, it will be no holiday camp!