Cleary: Danny’s now top of boxing’s ‘who needs them?’ club

Danny Quartermaine talks to this reporter after Hillier victory

DANNY Quartermaine’s superb victory over Jack Hillier may have made him as welcome as a virus in his own division.

Edwin Cleary, the man who guides Leamington’s super-featherweight star, fears last month’s English title eliminator win is both a blessing and curse.

After witnessing Quartermaine dominate Hillier, prospects will be in no rush to face The Hurricane, now unbeaten in 10.

Danny officially won by technical decision after Jack was cut. But he’d won every round before the stoppage.

“The issue is that was a great performance, but it has sent Danny back because no one wants to fight him,” said Cleary. “It’s pushed him to the front of the ‘who needs ‘em?’ club.”

Cleary has attempted to get Quartermaine on the massive, televised European title bill in Wolverhampton on November 18. He even publicly declared his desire to pit Danny against Coventry’s Dylan Cheema on the show.

My understanding is Cleary unsuccessfully targeted two fighters who have slots on the Sky show. A third was put forward as an opponent for Quartermaine, but Cleary considered the weight disparity too much.

“Danny came out of the fight with Hillier without a bump or bruise,” said Cleary. “He feels great. He’s ready to fight on November 18, he’s ready for another 10 rounder on November 18.

“I can understand them not wanting to fight Danny. They know him from the amateurs. It’s a big risk, with little reward. If you look at his record, he hasn’t dropped a round.”

Cleary’s frustration has been cranked up by news Telford’s Macauley Owen and Clayton Bricknell, from Wolverhampton, have been named as challengers for the vacant Midlands super-featherweight title. The Board of Control’s Midlands Council has put the match out for purse offers.

“That’s the title we asked for and no one stepped forward,” said Cleary.

“I’d like Danny out before Christmas, but his last fight was a title eliminator so, presumably, he’s in line for a title fight.”

Cleary believes big time promoters should be forming an orderly queue to secure Quartermaine’s services – he brings an army of fans to venues. He’s baffled that they are not.

“They won’t lose money on Danny, with his supporters he pays for himself,” Cleary said.

He added: “(British super-feather champ) Liam Dillon – that’s the fight I’d like to see next. I just think it would be great TV.”