Quartermaine: ‘I will make it awkward, horrible for Hillier’

Danny Quartermaine…faces biggest fight of his career on October 14

DANNY Quartermaine, a Leamington dynamo hurtling towards the top, has vowed to make it as “awkward and horrible” as possible for the man tasked with halting his surge to stardom.

For months, the unbeaten junior-lightweight (“super-feather” in today’s fight jargon) has craved a defining bout.

On October 14, at Sports Connexion, Coventry, his wish is granted.

Danny will face Southampton’s Jack Hillier, another prospect tipped for big things, in his first 10 rounder. The bout is an English title final eliminator and an application has been made to give the mouthwatering contest British title eliminator status, too.

On paper, it’s a true 50-50 clash. Both were elite amateurs, both are 26, both are unbeaten in nine.

But come fight night, Quartermaine will have something his opponent does not: a noisy, barmy army of 300 supporters.

Danny is a phenomenal ticketseller.

He told me: “I’m over the moon, really excited. This has been a long time coming.

“Getting an opponent has been more difficult than (matchmaker) Jon Pegg thought. Even with an eliminator on the line, people are still ducking me.

“We looked for a Midlands title fight, but the lack of opponents showed it was going to be difficult to get someone to step-up for (just) a Midlands title. An eliminator was the bait needed. I’m happy with how it’s come about.”

Despite both being top level amateurs, Quartermaine and Hillier have never shared a ring.

“We never fought as amateurs, I don’t think we even sparred, our paths didn’t cross,” said Danny. “He still has very much a traditional amateur style, in my opinion.

“Over 10 rounds, I’m very confident. I’ve been active this year, I feel I’m in a great place. I think he’ll struggle with my style and engine.

“It’s not about pacing myself, it’s about keeping that intensity up throughout the fight. Make him work, make it as awkward and as horrible as possible for him.”

It has the potential to be a great, great fight. And when the dust has settled, we’ll know a lot more about Danny Quartermaine.