Brandon vows: I am going right to the top

Brandon Bethell…early title chance. Picture: Manjit Narotra/BCB

WILDLY popular Brandon Bethell’s ring entrances have become an event in their own right – a brief, stand alone show.

The Wolverhampton fighter walks into a sea of gold and black banners, Oasis hits – on one occasion Brandon employed a Liam Gallagher lookalike – blare out.

It’s the kind of entrance that makes hairs stand on the back of your neck.

So when the 23-year-old says he plans something special for his first professional title shot, expect something very special.

He and Birmingham’s Nico Ogbeide fight for the vacant Midlands super-featherweight title on BCB’s huge June 14 show at Aldersley Stadium in Bethell’s home city.

Expect a wall of sound when the two well-supported prospects enter the ring. Bethell, a huge ticket-seller, reckons he’ll be roared on by a 400 strong army.

For both men, the step-up to 10 round class has come after only six contests. Brandon has lost one, while a draw is the only blemish on 30-year-old Nico’s record.

“Yes, it’s come early,” Brandon, trained by Gavin Burrows, said, “but I sort of knew this opportunity was going to come. I was bringing the crowds, performing and felt that if I kept chipping away at things, it would come.

“I always had a big following in the amateurs – it’s my family and friends. I have people who have followed me from the very start.”

Brandon’s early journey has, to date, hit only one bump in the road. Last October, dangerous journeyman Jahfieus Faure silenced the crowd with a six round decision.

I have an old school approach to points losses during a boxer’s apprenticeship. They serve as an important lesson, they can be more help than hindrance.

Today, too many consider such setbacks a catastrophe.

“At first, I didn’t see it that way,” Brandon admitted. “It felt as if my world was ending. I got back in the gym, training and chipping away, and I realised it was just part of learning. I was training with Gav and the team at the gym and they made me realise I have it.”

Ogbeide and Bethell are both guided by BCB, but have never shared a ring.

“I’ve never sparred him,” Brandon said, “I’ve just seen him on a few shows and that’s it. I’m really excited about the 10 rounds, I think it will suit my style.

“I’m really excited about the fight. I’ve got more power, technique, I’m getting more of a physique as I’m getting older. I’ve got a fantastic team – a good nutritionist, great coaches.”

And they will drive him to big things, he believes.

Brandon added: “I’m going to go right to the top. I think if I don’t, with the hard work I put in, there’s something wrong.”