Brad Willetts…welter looking for a title shot in the first half of next year.
BRAD Willetts, the boxer who has emerged from the blindside, will fight for a title in 2027, his manager has stated.
That’s more than pleasing progress for a welter who entered the paid game via the white collar route. Brad, from Dudley, has certainly hit the ground running, peeling off five wins and scoring his first stoppage last time out.
“We’re looking for him to challenge for a title in the first half of next year,” manager Jon Pegg confirmed.
Willetts, aged 26, continues his ring education on Scott Murray’s Sunday afternoon, November 22, show at the Premier Suite, Cannock. He’ll take part in his first six rounder, though an opponent has yet to be named.
To date, there’s been only one bump on Willetts’ road to belts: Injuries kept him out for a year. He returned to the ring in style, halting Ricky Leach in two last month.
“Out for 12 months, back with a stoppage – you can’t complain,” he said. “I think I came back better than before I was injured.”
Willetts believes his lack of a traditional amateur foundation may prove beneficial. “People might look at me as a pushover not having the background most have. That doesn’t mean I can’t fight and box.
“If a title fight came, I’d jump at the chance. I could make super-lightweight with a day before weigh-in, but if the chance came at welter we’d take it. You have to believe in your team and believe in those around you providing the right options. With the right team we are slowly building and growing.
“I don’t think you should put a limit on what you can achieve. It would make my life if I was to win a British title – that’s a really good goal to aim for.”
If Willetts, who works at a builder’s merchants, had the Lonsdale Belt wrapped round his waist, a real modern Cinderella story would be achieved.