It’s proving tough to match Quartermaine

Danny Quartermaine…missed out on big Belfast TV show

DANNY Quartermaine has become as popular among Britain’s junior-lightweight contenders as a pugilistic plague.

On Saturday, the Leamington sensation hoped to be facing Belfast unbeaten hope John Cooney on a streamed bill. The Irish southpaw, 10 wins to his name, had home advantage, with the bout scheduled for the Ulster Hall.

Instead, Cooney pulled out solely because his team didn’t want the job, says Edwin Cleary, the man guiding Quartermaine to what appears inevitable titles.

The 26-year-old human buzzsaw, now unbeaten in 10, and Edwin are less than impressed.

Quartermaine, a young man with a huge following, is now scheduled to fight at Coventry’s Skydome on March 9. Already a string of prospective opponents have snubbed the opportunity to face Danny.

In October, Quartermaine made a statement by halting fellow prospect Jack Hillier, yet he still awaits a deal from a major promoter.

In fairness, Hillier was beaten by technical decision after suffering a cut, but Quartermaine had dominated throughout.

Of the Belfast setback, Cleary said: “It was an opportunity lost for both Cooney and Danny – and Danny was prepared to go into his backyard. One hundred fans were travelling over for it.

“Now Cooney’s on a small hall show (he fights for the Celtic title at Belfast’s Europa Hotel on February 17).

“There was a three fight deal (from DAZN) on the table. The money (for the Belfast bout) wasn’t great for Danny, but it was going to go up with a win.”

Of the difficulty in finding meaningful opposition, Edwin said: “We’re not bothered, we see it as a compliment. Danny had a reputation in the amateurs and that’s followed him into the pros.

“I’d like to see him do at least eight rounds – Danny needs seasoning. But if a British title opportunity came, I’d take it because I know what he does in the gym.

“We may be jumping domestic level.”

As they say, watch this space.