Cassidy back after eight months out
Oli Cassidy (left) in action against MJ Hall
OLI Cassidy makes a return to the ring next week after eight months away from competitive action.
He returns at the Hangar Events Venue, Wolverhampton, on Friday, July 14, on a show hosted by BCB Promotions.
Cassidy, from Tamworth but now based in Rowley Regis, has won all his six contests on points over the apprentice four round distance. He last fought in November.
The 26-year-old turned pro in 2019 after an amateur career that saw him represent hometown outfit Tamworth Boxing Club and, later, Priory Park BC in Dudley.
He picked-up 35 amateur wins and a Midlands title in the junior ABAs where he went on to reach the national semi-finals.
His pro debut took place Down Under after travelling to Australia with girlfriend Joanne. Cassidy would have his hand raised, through a majority decision, against Michael Bagley.
Aussie rules stated that three judges were required, so verdicts of 40-36 and 39-37 for him negated the third official, who ruled it a 38-38 draw.
Since coming back to England, Cassidy has continued to campaign at light-middle and has outpointed another five opponents, with only one round conceded along the way.
He beat Seamus Devlin, MJ Hall, Paul Cummings and, most recently, George Rogers. Richard Helm claiming a solitary session, 39-37 the final score).
Cassidy said: “I’ve had a good training camp, but I’ve been in the gym for most of the year anyway. For most of that time, I’ve just been waiting on a fight date, so it’s been frustrating.
“I changed manager over (from Jon Pegg to Mick Carney) and that took some time, too. I’ve been getting dates and they haven’t happened, but I just need to get on with it now.
“There’s loads of sparring about for me. I’m still trained by Richie (Ghent, at RG Box Fit in Bilston) and I spar a lot with Danny Ball (English champion) and Conah Walker (contender).
“They are more experienced and have completed a championship distance (10-rounder), so I’m sure that I can do the same as soon as I get used to doing more rounds.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back in there and what’s important is getting a good win under my belt, but I feel like I’m already past being a four-round fighter.
“I’m definitely fit enough because I’ve carried on training and I want to progress quickly. After a couple of six-rounders, I can’t see why I wouldn’t be ready to go for a title.
“My last performance was a while ago now, but it’s probably the best that I’ve boxed as a pro. I was aggressive, rather than boxing too much. I started quicker and pressed the pace.
“I’ve not got a pro stoppage yet, but it’s hard to stop a durable journeyman over four rounds. You have to do something special, for that, but I can make an impact.”
*Tickets for the Hangar bill are available, priced at £40 standard or £75 VIP ringside, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com.