Top, top sparring for heavyweight Charlie

Charlie Loughran…there’s no rush to join pro ranks, says trainer

COVENTRY heavyweight hope Charlie Loughran is benefitting from top class sparring as he prepares for the pro ranks.

The teenage product of Toe 2 Toe ABC has in recent months shared the ring with Frazer Clarke, Moses Itauma and Richard Riakporhe, all fine professionals.

That’s serious beef.

But then, some insiders are tipping big things for Charlie who is still only 19.

Coach Billy Parmar stressed there’s no rush to send his prospect into the pros. Quite right: Boxing’s big men mature later and Charlie is still growing.

“He’s still very lean and we’re trying to build up the man strength,” Billy said. “He’s good enough, skill wise. We are just waiting to see him physically develop a bit. He’s still only 19, I don’t want to rush him.”

A strength and conditioning coach has been recruited to add bulk to the big man.

Charlie has quickly risen through the pro ranks. A martial arts convert, he peeled off 15 straight wins and picked up a brace of Midlands titles before facing Oliver Hockney in last year’s national ABA developments final.

He was outpointed, but bounced back by winning the major, multi-national “King of the Ring” tournament in Sweden.

After that, Charlie attempted to avenge the only loss on his record by facing Hockney in his home town of Middlesbrough.

That April return didn’t go to plan, with the Sky Blue boxer disqualified for holding.

“It was a poor decision,” said Billy, “they’re both big men. It was turning into a good fight and the referee didn’t give us a fair crack. He was on him from the start.

“With heavyweights, the game in the pros is clinching and holding and Charlie has added that to his game.”

The plan is to put Charlie in next year’s championships, then the elites. After that, a career in the pros will be considered.

“I’m pleased with the progress he’s made,” Billy added. “Charlie is a very quick learner, show him something and he picks it up very quickly.”