BRADLEY Goldsmith has the mega fight he has near-begged for.
As the Coventry middle – a fight who blends raw power with beautiful skills – put it: “This is the opportunity to announce myself on the world scene.”
At St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton, on June 20, Goldsmith faces former British champ Brad Pauls over 10 rounds. At stake on Queensberry’s show – streamed on DAZN – is Pauls’ IBF international title.
In reality, there’s far more on the line. For the winner, Britain, then the world beckons.
For 27-year-old Goldsmith, the contest represents a major step-up and the chance to prove he belongs on the big stage.
It’s also the chance to silence doubters who surfaced following his Midlands title stoppage defeat to Troy Coleman last year. That is the only blemish on a 16 bout career.
Bradley, who enjoys a mass following, has always insisted he miscalculated, pressed his foot down on the pedal too early against Coleman, and paid the price. He ran out of steam.
He has peeled off three wins since that loss.
Pauls represents his chance to prove, once and for all, it was a blip, not a dent in the armour.
He has certainly lived up to his “Newquay Bomber” nickname. He bangs.
Stoke’s British champion Nathan Heaney was badly rocked in a title defence against the south coast star, but overpowered in the final round of a return.
Pauls’ reign was brief: he was outpointed by Denzel Bentley less than five months after that magnificent victory. Bentley and our own Tyler Denny are the only boxers to beat him in a 24 bout career.
He is coming off a very strong win, too. In March Pauls sensationally stopped KO artist Shakiel Thompson, unbeaten in 15 going into the contest and a warm favourite.
This is the acid test for Goldsmith, trained by Dominic Ingle.
In a boxing/showbiz world of fake feuds and insults, Goldsmith is a breath of fresh air. He refuses to indulge the masses through boasts and “verbals”. Pauls is to be respected, he stressed.
“It’s not in my character to be someone I’m not,” he said. “I’ll always be respectful, as long as it’s reciprocated. Brad Pauls is a rounded fighter, he’s my golden ticket and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I have to be nice to him, in a weird way. Props to him – he’s been in my situation where he’s had to go in as the underdog and come out on top.
“About 10 days ago I got the message, do you want the fight? It was a one word answer. On paper you have to say it’s my biggest test to date, you can’t disagree with that. It’s not just the fight – it’s the platform, the venue, the title on the line. I’m super excited.”
A victory and very big fights are within touching distance for Goldsmith. April’s World Boxing Organisation rankings place Paul in fourth position.
“I know what I’ve got to do, what I need to do,” he said. “I’m not naïve. A win over him will slingshot me into the world rankings, though I’m under no illusions there is still work to be done. I’ve asked for an opportunity like this, stayed disciplined, stayed focused and now it’s come.”
The opportunity may have come 125 miles away, but Goldsmith’s army of fans are ready for a sky blue takeover of the Hampshire port city.
Goldsmith added: “When the fight was confirmed, I was optimistic, but thought I might not do as well with tickets. To my surprise, the support has been fantastic. There will be a big crowd there for me.
“I mean, who doesn’t like an away day.”
