Goldsmith - boxer set to strike gold

Goldsmith….zeroing in on a major title

Bradley Goldsmith…phenomenal ticket-seller

FORMER outstanding Coventry amateur Bradley Goldsmith is being groomed for big things - and, with each win, he looks more and more capable of big things.

Now trained in Sheffield and backed by a noisy army of supporters, the middleweight wasted no time in registering his sixth straight win at new city fight venue Sports Connexion two months ago.

Rotherham’s Martin Shaw was softened by crippling body shots in the first before 24-year-old Bradley ended the one-sided affair at two minutes of the second.

A pile-driving uppercut violently knocked Shaw’s head back on his shoulders and referee Dean signalled an end to the slaughter.

The 31-year-old - now 3-10-3 - could’ve continued, but faced shipping more punishment. The chances of pulling off an upset were more non-existent than remote.

Goldsmith, one of the region’s brightest prospects, is on course for glory. And the journey is an exciting one, with the whole of Coventry seemingly behind the talented fighter.

He’s certainly seen as one of their own - and the level of support Goldsmith enjoys is phenomenal, truly phenomenal. Despite the Three Lions featuring in a crunch World Cup game on the same night, 400 fans purchased tickets to watch their hero top the bill in his home city. That’s staggering.

“If England weren’t playing, it would’ve been upward of 500,” said Goldsmith. “I don’t think there’s anyone at my level, at this stage in my career, who are doing the numbers I am. Remember, it’s still small hall boxing. Imagine when I get the big promotions and TV deal - I just know those hundreds will turn into thousands.

“For me, it’s incredible. The support I’ve got is second-to-none. With each fight it’s getting bigger and bigger, more people talk about my next fight. What’s going on in the world now, with rising bills, adds to my gratitude to those people.

“I think they appreciate the fact I’ve done this from such an early age. I’m doing what I always said I would do and people admire that. I’ll always remember where I started.”

The Coventry sporting public may be getting carried away, but Goldsmith certainly isn’t.

“I don’t want to think about it too much because everything happens for a reason,” he said. “If something comes up that I didn’t have in my plans I’ll take it with both hands, it’s all down to what’s available. I’m looking at the long game.

“I’ve not gone six rounds, but 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.”

Few who have witnessed Goldsmith in action would disagree with that.