Steed: Give me live fights and I’ll shine

Woodall has his hands raised in Poland as Counihan looks on

I FIND it astonishing the professional career of Steed Woodall remains a secret to fans some nine years after it began.

The man, a product of Birmingham’s Eastside gym, was a world class amateur. He has the pedigree to be a top, top champion.

The now 29-year-old went pro in America and had 17 contests over there before moving back to the Second City.

Back home, it’s been a frustrating journey for the super-middle, with one fight in 2021, one in 2022, less than five rounds in total. For all Woodall’s ability, his career stagnated and was in danger of petering out.

The inactivity wasn’t Woodall’s fault. He suffered a broken leg and meaningful fights have been hard to find. Steed has the ability to face top contenders, yet contenders know the risks involved. They’ve steered clear.

Woodall’s long-time trainer Paul Counihan has always kept the faith and last week rolled dice in a bid revive Steed’s career.

A fight with big punching Boris Crighton in Poland was accepted at a week-and-a-half’s notice. It was a big risk, but Steed’s career is at a stage where big risks have to be taken. He was close to being filed under “what might have been”.

Counihan’s unwavering faith was rewarded with a wide eight round points win for Woodall. It was a no-nonsense, no frills performance, but the win was all important.

Counihan has shown loyaltly and that loyalty has been rewarded.

Lose against Crighton and Woodall was well and truly on the outside looking in.

Now he’s back and chasing big fights.

Steed has told iFL TV: “We stuck to the game plan – it was about getting the ‘w’ and collecting the rounds. I’ll be honest, it was easier than I thought. I didn’t really get out of second gear.

“We knew what Boris was going to bring and I don’t want to disrespect him. He came to play his role – a game opponent.

“It was just about the win, we didn’t want to take too many risks, show we can box and that’s what we did.

“I’ve really struggled to get fights, my career has been thrown under the radar. We have accepted fights, people have looked at us and thought, ‘you know, it’s a bit risky’. We can’t get any of the champions in there.

“Tonight we had a game, live opponent. Respect to Boris.”

Woodall added: “I want to fight live opponents. Give me a full camp, give me a live opponent and you’ll see some explosive stuff.”

I’m sure of that.

Woodall’s career has been resurrected but is not yet firing on all cylinders. He needs to face top names and luring contenders into the ring takes investment. Major promoters have to be on board.

I have no doubt Steed Woodall is a future champ. The problem is that the current champs know that, too.