LAST weekend marked the anniversary of an event former Midlands light-middleweight champ Ashlee Eales would rather forget.
A year since he last boxed. A year since he tasted defeat for the very first time, amateur or pro.
For Nuneaton’s Ashlee – a boxing showman in both words and ring style – the months have been frustrating.
He is a talented boxer waiting for the phone to ring. His talent and punching power means he is not top of any prospect’s list when looking for opponents.
“I know what they’ll do,” Eales said. “They call me with a few days notice wanting to put me in with a top prospect. They’ll try to throw me under the bus.
“But I’m staying ready. I’m making sure they can’t throw me under the bus, I’ll end up driving the bus.”
On June 29, 2024, Eales, taking part in his 11th contest, saw his unbeaten run snapped at 11 by Omir Rodriguez.
Plagued with hand injuries – a curse for KO artists, Ashlee’s right mitt was broken in that clash. The hand went again during sparring 10 weeks ago.
It is now healed, Ashlee is in training – and has slimmed down to welterweight.
“I don’t think being at welterweight will make it any easier to get fights,” the 31-year-old shrugged. “They still won’t want to fight me because of my style and personality. They can’t avoid me forever, they’ll have to face me at some point.”
Twelve months is a long time away from the game. Eales is not disheartened, he remains focused.
“These things happen in boxing,” he said. “I just have to stay committed. “It’s been a frustrating year, I can’t lie. It’s been a year since my first loss and last fight. Fights haven’t happened because they didn’t want to face me.
“Nine-10 weeks ago, I suffered a break to my right hand again, it’s a boxer’s fracture. I’m back in training and walking around at 69kg (10st 12lbs), I could make welter. I’m sticking to the plan.”
