Goldsmith gets call to fight on Dubai bill

Bradley Goldsmith…boxes an international opponent on November 9

DUBAI beckons for red-hot Coventry middleweight prospect Bradley Goldsmith.

In a dream move, the boxer – who enjoys a huge following in his home city – has been added to a November 9 card promoted by EDA at Media City, Dubai. He’ll fight over eight rounds against an, as yet, un-named international opponent.

“It came about through my manager dealing with people over there and Dom (trainer Dominic Ingle) who knows a few people over there,” said the 26-year-old who is unbeaten in 11 bouts, seven by stoppage.

To an extent, a lack of opportunity on the home front has forced Goldsmith and his team to look overseas. He last boxed in June in Leicester and blasted out Ricky Rowlands.

“Trying to get on local shows, it’s been the same answer,” former top amateur Goldsmith explained. “Because of the backlog of fighters, when shows come up in the UK they’re already filled.

“When my manager asked if I wanted to fight in Dubai, I bit his hand off.”

Goldsmith will fight on a significant card at a breath-taking venue. Also on the bill is Turkish light-heavy Avni Yildirim who has faced both Canelo and Chris Eubank Jnr.

“At first I was a bit unsure,” Goldsmith admitted, “because I love to fight in front of my fans, but it’s great to be given an opportunity like this. I’m doing it for the experience and exposure – who knows what doors it might open?

“The venue is incredible, the undercard is good. I’ll go out eight days before to acclimatise and do the final bit of weight cutting.

“And I’ve actually sold a fair few tickets. So far, 15 people are flying out and I’m fortunate to know a few people who live over there.”

He’s never admitted it, but Goldsmith could be forgiven for harbouring frustration over the lack of opportunities in the UK. He does, at this stage in his career, look something special.

He added: “I’ve said it before, everything happens for a reason, patience will be a virtue. There are plenty who would love to be in the position I’m in today.”