Goldsmith added to Wolverhampton bill
Brad Goldsmith…tipped for very big things
WOLVERHAMPTON’S Hangar venue will be the setting for a sky blue invasion on Friday, July 14.
For Bradley Goldsmith – a Coventry middle with a truly phenomenal fan-base – is a late addition to the boxing bill dubbed “Havoc at the Hangar”.
Brad’s inclusion on the show is a boost for promoters Black Country Boxing. It gives Black Country fans the opportunity to witness, in action, a fighter tipped for very big things.
The 24-year-old, looking for his eighth straight win and trained in Sheffield, is regarded as something special.
The call-up brought an end to a fraught week for the former star amateur. He was preparing to fight in Sheffield on Saturday and when the bout fell through, frantic calls resulted in a slot at The Hangar.
Brad knew about the new date and venue last Thursday.
“Who I’m fighting, I couldn’t tell you,” he said today (Monday). “I’ll leave that to the last couple of days because there have been a number of times when the name has changed, but I’m looking at a six rounder. Small hall shows can be stressful.
“I’ve been training 110 per cent, as normal. I’ve been out longer than anticipated (Goldsmith last fought in March) because I got an eye injury after my last fight. It’s now patched up, fully healed and there’s no damage.”
The prospect admits the last few days have been something of a roller-coaster ride.
“I was going to box on Saturday, but there were a few complications. My manager got on the phone to try and find something local and I found out about Errol’s (BCB Errol Johnson) show last Thursday.
“I’d sold 150 plus tickets for Saturday, so we’ve had to go through the whole chopping and changing routine. It’s been my most stressful fight week, but my fans have stuck with me – I’ve always expressed gratitude and kept them informed.
“Instead of going up the M1, they’re driving down the M6. I’ve done over 100 tickets. For my eighth fight, in a small hall, at short notice, that’s good.”
Friday is another step – another part of Bradley’s pro education – as he rises to the top.
In a recent interview, he told me: “I’m more than ready for a step-up. I’ve been asking for it since my third fight. Without sounding disrespectful, I’m too good for the guys I’ve been facing.
“As well as the improvements made physically and in terms of ability, mentally the improvements have been second-to-none - knowing how to deal with the build-up, the attention.
“I’m slowly, but surely, turning myself into a future star.”
There are a growing number of boxing insiders who agree with that statement.
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