Cassidy made debut in land Down Under

Cassidy….after Oz debut, the light-middle is proving a Midlands hit

OLI Cassidy has a unique claim to fame amongst the region’s band of fledgling small hall boxers.

The Sutton Coldfield born, Tamworth based light-middle made his debut Down Under.

Cassidy outpointed Michael Bagley at Fortitude Valley, Queensland, in November, 2019.

He was travelling in Australia with his girlfriend when the opportunity arose and Oli grabbed it with both hands.

“The plan was to spend a year over there,” said Oli, “six months based in Brisbane, six months travelling. But Covid struck after the first six months, so we had to come home.”

The Aussie win has got better with time: Bagley went on to claim the Queensland State and Australasian titles at welter.

Oli, a personal trainer by day, is now continuing his career at home. Currently 6-0 and last out in November when he outpointed George Rogers, he hopes to fight again next month.

I was at ringside for Oli’s first contest after returning to Blighty and the now 25-year-old looked handy in outpointing Seamus Devlin.

“It was like making my debut all over again when I boxed back home, “with a new coach (Richie Ghent) in the corner after training together for almost a year.

“It was a bit more straight-forward and I showed some of the things we have been working on, but there is much more to come from me.”

The newcomer has also benefitted from quality sparring with Conah Walker and Danny Ball, soon to fight for the English welterweight title. He’s recently also shared a ring with Midlands champ – and red-hot prospect – Owen Cooper.

It’s too early to talk about major titles, but one thing is for sure – Oli certainly shifts tickets.

He said: “I’m really grateful to the people who spend money to support me – especially in these times.”

Oli enjoyed a solid amateur career. He had around 45 fights for Tamworth ABC, winning Midlands titles and reaching the national junior finals, before switching to Priory Park.

“I’d just had enough of the amateurs,” he said. “I’d been boxing since I was 12, that was long enough. And you get a bit envious when you see people you know go pro.

“I’ve a good boxing brain and feel I’ve adapted well to the pro game. In the amateurs, you have super-fit lads – not too skilful – who can be all over you for three rounds.

“As a pro, you’ve got more time, you can set traps. One thing’s for sure – everyone’s tougher and hits harder.”

Oli added: “The name of the game is to see how many titles you can pick up and, of course, I want the same from my career, but you can’t skip the apprenticeship.

“I’ve seen enough around me to show me it’s not out of reach. Conah (Walker) and Danny (Ball) have had their opportunities and, in time, I’ll be pushing for my own chances.”

*Oli is currently searching for sponsors. If you want to back a winner, email olicassidyboxing@hotmail.com