Butlin is enjoying his professional journey
Dave Butlin at Eastside gym….”there are no massive expectations”
DAVE Butlin, the super-middle who slipped near silently into the pro ranks, is a man who doesn’t believe in weighing himself down with expectations.
The likeable 28-year-old is taking the bloody business as it comes. His is a refreshing “what will be, will be” attitude.
Importantly, he’s enjoying his boxing. And one thing has already been established – Dave sells a very healthy number of tickets.
On June 10, Butlin – a successful businessman by day – has his second professional bout on Tommy Owens’ bill at Solihull’s Planet Ice.
His debut, in March, was celebrated with a landslide four round points decision over Genadij Krajevskij.
Expect another four rounder in Solihull.
After training at Eastside gym on Sunday – and the session was definitely no holiday camp for Butlin – he told me: “I’m definitely more confident after the win, I’m enjoying it.
“I think I did OK (against Krajevskij). I didn’t rush anything and there was a moment in the second when he was hurt.
“I’m sitting on my shots now, I’m a lot more settled and developing a pro style.”
Future goals are yet to be set.
“I don’t feel no pressure,” he stressed. “It’s about seeing how far I can push myself. I have no massive expectations.”
The newcomer juggles 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.
The product of Tamworth ABC, where he had 20 fights, winning 15 and taking Midlands honours, Butlin is still guided by old amateur trainer Alan Keast.
“I 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.
“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.”