Rutter putting more spite into his shots

Ethan Rutter…back in action for BCB next month. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB

ETHAN Rutter, the Birmingham bantam blessed with blinding speed, is cranking-up the power for his next performance.

The 20-year-old has been working on putting more meat behind his shots and pledged fans will see the difference when he steps through the ropes on March 29.

That four rounder on BCB’s bill at Birmingham Conference and Events Centre will be Rutter’s third professional engagement.

“I’m definitely working on power,” Erdington’s Rutter said, “rotating into my shots. My dad told me, ‘the pros is about hurting people, not points scoring’. Expect to see more power.”

Rutter, trained by dad Paul and Shiney Singh, has, to date, had to settle for distance wins against journeymen who know all the survival tricks in the book. His first two opponents, Stephen Jackson and Jake Pollard, have a combined record of over 170 bouts – the vast majority going the full course.

“I’ve learned a lot in my two fights,” Rutter said. “I’ve learned to fight people who don’t want to fight back. The second fight was a great learning experience – I didn’t feel well on the day and think I showed I’ve got the toughness in me.

“It’s difficult because they are coming to spoil and survive. You just have to remember what you’ve been told – don’t switch off and take a silly shot, stay disciplined.”

Rutter, who works for a funeral directors during the day, has the kind of top flight amateur record that suggests he can pull up a few trees in the paid ranks.

To an extent, it was surprising he “turned over” so early rather than secure more silverware and honours as an amateur.

“We had the discussion,” Rutter admitted. “I could’ve stayed for another year and done the ABAs. The plan was always to turn pro and dad said, ‘I want him to start learning the pro style’.

“The amateurs are great, you get a trophy, but I want the glory of the professionals.”

Rutter is, however, in no rush to chase titles.

“I think 2027 for a Midlands title fight,” he said. “Three or four fights this year, then there’s nothing much left to do. The Midlands title is something you have to work to get. It’s about getting the rounds. I thinks, skills for skills, the guys (out there) are not on my level, it’s just doing it over 10 rounds.”

“I think I can go all the way,” Rutter stressed. “My target is a British title – when I win a Midlands area title I can look at that. I’m focused on one fight at a time, but think I’m capable of winning a British title.

“Once you’ve got that, the world’s your oyster.”