Denny set to spark a Black Country party

Tyler Denny…like fine wine, he’s got better with age

TYLER Denny, the Black Country craftsman admired by all within the game, has fed off the frustrations that dogged his career.

The Rowley Regis southpaw, who felt chronically overlooked for a British middleweight title shot, has honed his skills rather than sulk in the corners.

He is, at 32, at the top of his game. Like fine wine, Denny has improved with age. He has emerged from the shadows of small hall shows to ply his trade in stadiums.

Tyler can be slick or mix it up in the trenches – and he wallops with authority.

And on Saturday, the perspiration, preparation and pain are rewarded with the biggest night of a 22 bout career – in front of his huge fanbase.

Denny will attempt to take the European title from veteran Italian champion Matteo Signani at Wolverhampton’s former Civic Hall, rebranded simply The Halls.

And I can’t see the 44-year-old raining on Denny’s parade – a potential coronation promoted by Boxxer and shown on Sky Sports.

At his age, the phrase “veteran” is perhaps misplaced. He’s bordering on ancient.

Signani has lost six of 41 (three draws), has fought outside his native country only once and has yet to face world class opposition. This, his first defence, may well be his last defence.

Denny burns with confidence after two stellar defences of his English title against Bradley Rea and Brad Pauls, both unbeaten, both groomed for big things.

Last time out, he gained a lesser portion of the European title by outpointing Macauley McGowan. By his own high standards, Tyler was below par that night.

Now it’s the stuff dreams are made of.

“I’ve been buzzing all camp,” Tyler told me. “Training’s always hard, it’s a lot easier when you’re training for the biggest fight of your life.

“They couldn’t give me enough tickets (to sell), I could’ve done with a hundred more. But I can’t complain – I’ve got my biggest opportunity on television in front of my own fans. I can’t thank Boxxer enough. I’m enjoying my life.

“I don’t know much about Signani, but I know all I need to know – he’s champion. People have said about his age, but it’s just a number. It means nothing to me.”

It’s heady stuff, but if Denny wins this a world title fight beckons.

“I’m trying not to think about it,” he told me, “I’m just focused on this fight. But, realistically, I’m one contest away. If I’d said that two years ago, I wouldn’t have even joked about it.

“I’m one fight away from putting my name in the mix. Everyone says this is their best camp, but it really has been great. I’ve had plenty of notice and I was training because I thought I had a fight in September.

“I’m at my peak. It’s been frustrating, but it’s the frustration that builds your character.

Saturday night is Tyler Denny’s party, a proper Black Country knees-up is in store.

And Signani won’t stop that happening.