Debutant Doe tells fans to prepare for some ring madness

Poster for Dean Doe Junior’s fight on February 14

PROFESSIONAL boxing is in the DNA of newcomer Dean Doe Junior’s family.

Brett Fidoe, one of the best journeymen in the business, is a cousin. So is big punching Boy Jones and experienced Worcester light-middle Harry Butler is also a relative.

With that background, Dean was always destined to join the paid ranks – and he’s done so early.

Just 18, the super-lightweight has signed with Birmingham’s Spencer McCracken Snr and will have his first contest at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, on Valentine’s Day – Friday, February 14.

Dean, a member of the travelling community, promises to bring entertainment and showmanship to the paid ranks. Expert flair and questionable fashion sense

“I am flashy, to be honest,” the Stourport teenager said, “and I have some flashy shorts to go with my flashiness. I mean, very flashy shorts.

“I like switch-hitting. I used to be a little tapper – tap, tap, move and go. The McCrackens like fighters, so I stand my ground more, I like to get involved more. I’m only young, I’m still maturing and Spencer says he can feel the power coming. He’s says we’ll take things steady because I’m only young.”

Dean’s brief, 13 bout amateur career was disrupted by Covid lockdown, but he still reached two national finals.

He could’ve been an ABA development championship titleholder, but – in a seriously bad move – chose to holiday in Benidorm rather than compete in the final.

I’d imagine that decision didn’t make him the most popular lad at Droitwich Amateur Boxing Club.

“It was a bit stupid and that is my biggest regret so far in my life,” Dean admitted. “I’d put that big heap of money down for my holiday, but I should’ve tried to put my holiday back.”

Life in the amateurs was losing its excitement, the gym sessions were becoming a grind. Dean needed a new challenge and decided to punch for pay.

He said: “I spoke to Brett (Fidoe) and he said, ‘just try your best’. He said if he knew what he knows now, he would’ve really gone for it rather than being a journeyman, although he was a top journeyman.

“I just want to aim for the top, I think I can be the best. I don’t like being cocky, but that is what I want and what I would like best. There is no limit, I want to keep going and reach the top. I think I’ll sell tickets because I’ve got a big family.”

Dean warned fans: “Expect the madness. I’ve trained my socks off for this fight.”

I’m pondering what Dean Doe Junior will unleash on February 14, I’m braced for madness. But, to be honest, I’m also pondering what those shorts look like.