FOR Brad Willetts, the shifts are very, very long as he looks to carve a name in prizefighting.
The unbeaten Dudley welter’s day begins at 4am – a time, as a pensioner, I’ve only heard about. It’s been many years since I witnessed it. I certainly don’t remember what it looks like.
It is then Brad pounds the streets for much needed roadwork. By 6am he is at his day job as a warehouse packer, then goes through the bullet-sweat grind of gym work from 5pm to 7.
“It’s a long day,” the 25-year-old shrugged. “But I know I have to make the sacrifices to be where I want to be.”
To date, the gruelling schedule has paid dividends. Willetts, trained by Les Sharratt and his father, goes for his fourth straight win on Scott Murray’s title laden show at Chase Leisure Centre, Cannock, on September 13.
An opponent has yet to be named for the four rounder.
As always, the fighter will be cheered on by a noisy, expanding army of supporters. Willetts puts bums on seats.
“It’s massive,” Brad said. “It’s a privilege to be on such a big card – fighting on the same show as Sam Eggington, you can’t ask for more than that.”
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Willetts, a product of the white collar circuit. In all honesty, I didn’t expect a lot from the lad when he turned over last September.
But he is compact, has good punch variety and, to date, hasn’t put a foot wrong. Stiffer tests await, however.
“I’ve surprised myself,” Willetts admitted. “I think things are going good, I’m taking it all in my stride. I didn’t have the kind of amateur background that most of the pros have, but I must be doing something right.”
In fact, things are going so well that Brad can begin to dream of titles.
“Hopefully, this will be my last four rounder, then I’ll move to six,” he said. “We all go into this game for the same reasons – to change our lives and win titles, and I’d like to be in a position to fight for the Midlands title at some point next year.
“I’m a welterweight, but came in at 10st 4lbs for my last fight, only four pounds over super-lightweight. With a day-before weigh-in, I’d makes super-lightweight.”
Before belts beckon, there is still plenty to learn about the professional code. The boxer admits he’s still serving an apprenticeship.
“I’m learning discipline,” Brad said. “My style was always rough and ready, but we’ve been working on jab and move, hit and make ‘em miss, sitting down on the shots a bit more. We want a long journey in this game.
“I’m still going through the process. People I spar tell me I’ve got power. Even if I can’t stop them, I think my work rate will get to them.”
Stamina – that is something Willetts has in bucketloads. His working week is testimony to the newcomer’s energy levels.
