Invaluable learning rounds for Butlin

Dave Butlin…won all four rounds at Planet Ice

I LIKE Tamworth newcomer Dave Butlin. A successful businessman by day, he’s grounded and has entered the pro ranks free from delusions of world title success.

He is, the 29-year-old told me, “taking each fight as it comes”. He also thanked me for taking interest in his progress, which is a nice touch.

Fight number two came at Planet Ice, Solihull, on Saturday and Butlin gained invaluable experience from Manchester journeyman Darryl Sharp before taking the four round decision 40-36.

At times it appeared southpaw Sharp was lecturing the apprentice on what to try next. Butler would throw and Darryl (12st 6lbs) would make a comment through his gumshield.

Butlin is very much a work in progress. He scaled 12st 9lbs for the bout, but can and should slim down to middle.

He appeared more relaxed than in his debut, timing was better and he built victory around a very nice jab.

Sharp would fight off the ropes, sometimes beckoning Butler in, and slipped shots with an old pro’s fluidity.

Dave shrugged off the showmanship and kept plugging away with the jab, doubling the weapon in the second.

Sharp showed more aggression in the third and grinned at his opponent in the fourth. To Dave’s credit, he ignored the antics and kept piling-up points.

That’s two down for Butlin on a long road. As yet, the man himself refuses to dub it a road to glory.