Heavyweight Ducille joins Manning team

Joel Ducille flanked by Andrew Jarrett (Ieft) and Anthony Manning

FOR heavyweight Joel Ducille, the sparkle shown as an amateur has, to date, failed to shine through in the paid ranks.

But he firmly believes the potential is there and he can breathe life back into his career under a new team.

The 34-year old, from Great Barr, has now joined Anthony Manning’s growing Birmingham stable of boxers and will be trained by Andrew Jarrett.

New manager Manning is taking on a big man who has won only one of six (one draw) and suffered three stoppages.

Those statistics are something of a puzzle because, as an amateur with Aston ABC, 6ft 4ins Joel won a national title and beat Frazer Clarke.

That’s the same Frazer Clarke who captured Commonwealth gold, European silver and Olympic bronze medals.

Joel has not given up on his pro dream. “I’ve got the gifts, I have what it takes, I just need the right people,” he said.

A worker at Jaguar Land Rover by day, Joel admits it’s been hard to find time for the commitment needed to succeed as a pro. The plan is to get him fully fit and fighting again by May. “I’m training, building. It (the comeback) is coming soon,” he said.

“I had to fight on the road, I had to go into the deep. I’m going to still make a name for myself, there’s more to come. I want to build my name.

“I want to be a better fighter, I want to be the best fighter I can be. I’ve got both the speed and power.”

New manager Manning said: “I believe if Joel is matched right and does the right preparation, he can mix it with a few of the heavyweights out there. There’s no question he has the skills.

“We’re looking to get him out in May and see what he’s about. I do think moving down to cruiserweight could be an option. I’m not his trainer, but with the right preparation and at the right weight, he can do something.

“But that has to be down to Joel. No one can do that for him.”