THERE are shades of Rocky in the working relationship between Brad Coley and trainer James Thomas.
Like the silver screen fight hero and his veteran trainer Mickey, their regime is no-frills. In an age of gleaming gyms crammed with hi-tech machinery, Birmingham’s Brad trains in a garage with precious little sponsorship to aid his journey.
Like Sly Stallone’s character, the pair firmly believe they’ll emerge from the shadows of small hall boxing and conquer the world.
And not just at one weight. Brad and James talk of titles at three weights – fly, super-fly and bantam. To that end, they travel the length and breadth of the country for top sparring.
“We don’t have much money,” Brad said, “but in the future I’ll show I’m the one.”
Coley chases his seventh straight win on Saturday, August 16, on manager Anthony Manning’s show at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham.
In the opposite corner for the six rounder will be Manchester’s Stephen Jackson, a 63-bout journeyman who is a fully fledged super-bantam.
Coley, a natural flyweight, is used to facing much heavier men.
“The power is there,” the 24-year-old, who has won all his contests on points, insisted. “I’m beating people who are three or four weights above me – and journeymen come to cover up.”
“The power is there at flyweight,” Thomas agreed. “But what is power? If you systematically grind someone down with body-punches for six rounds, then take them down, that’s power. That’s what Brad is learning to do. We are working on walking people down, it’s a learning curve.”
Coley said: “What the public have seen so far is less than 50 per cent of what I’m capable of. We want titles. We’re looking at English, maybe Midlands. I think everything will come and, in the meantime, I’m staying humble, keeping my faith in God.”
Thomas has invested heavily in his fighter in terms of both money and time. The graft will be rewarded with glory, he believes.
The complete package is gradually emerging, with the coach instilling what he describes as a “mid-West” style in the prospect.
“It’s a bit like one of those pavement artists you come across on holiday,” Thomas said.
“The first day you see a sketch and can’t really make out what it is. The second day you see the colour and on the third day you realise something beautiful has been created.
“I’m pleased Brad hasn’t had the GB amateur build-up and the TV. It’s allowed us to develop the knowledge and experience so that, when the time comes, people will see Brad’s a quality operator.
“Skills pay the bills and Brad hasn’t really been hit.”
Thomas added: “Knowledge is power and smart wins the race.”
