Doe: I was a pick ‘n’ poke boxer, now I’m building more power

Dean Doe with pro mentor Spencer McCracken…second pro victory

TIME – a lot of time – is on Dean Doe Jnr’s side as he adapts to the pro game.

At 19, the Stourport light-welter has speed and reflexes, but full power is yet to be attained.

Trainer and manager Spencer McCracken Snr is not rushing the flashy fighter’s apprenticeship.

That apprenticeship continued at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, last Saturday with a learning four rounder against vastly experienced Michael Mooney, a 39-year-old veteran of close to 130 bouts.

Youth was served with Doe taking a shutout 40-36 decision. Worcester’s Mooney, one of the game’s great survivors, was never in trouble.

That’s the second pro bout notched up for Doe, a member of the travelling community and from a boxing bloodline. Brett Fidoe, a real dangerman in the lower weights, is his cousin.

“I’m just coming to my man-strength,” Doe said after the win. “I want a stoppage, but I don’t want to look for it because that’s when you make mistakes.

“I can feel it coming, probably a bit slower than I thought it would come, but I’m only 19. Spencer said there’s no rush – I’m still young.”

Surprisingly, Doe turned pro just as his amateur career was blossoming. He has no regrets.

“I was just coming into the senior elites,” he said, “and thought, ‘do I turn pro?’ Brett (Fidoe) said ‘do it, turn over’.

“To be honest, I was boxing for plastic trophies, getting punched, training just as hard and I thought, is it really worth it?

“Turning pro is the best thing I’ve done. In the amateurs, I was just a runner, I was a pick and poke boxer and that got the job done. In the pros, I’ve settled my feet down and putting more into my punches.

“There are some great lads in the (McCracken) gym, the sparring is amazing to watch. You learn so much.”

And Doe is the first to admit there is still plenty to learn before he can talk about titles.