Boxing News Boxing News
Waltham Abbey boxer Daniel Cadman returns to the ring later this month for the first time in almost three years when he fights on the undercard of the Darren Barker – Wayne Elcock British Middleweight title fight at the Brentwood Centre on November 28.
The former Repton amateur turned pro in 2003 and won 11 of his 14 outings before his career seemed to come to a halt. However the man known as “Mr. Slick” is back in the gym and determined to make good on his undoubted potential starting with a win at the Brentwood Centre.
“A lot of people thought I had quit after my last fight but three days after that contest my wife gave birth to our first child, a little baby girl and then 16 months ago we had a baby boy,” explained Cadman.
“I was so busy trying to juggle work and helping with the kids that I had to knock boxing on the head for a while. I always planned on fighting again but I didn’t want to come back until I could give it 100%.”
Earlier this year Cadman returned to Tony Sims’ Hainault Gym to shed some weight and take care of what he considered to be unfinished business in the ring. “I blew up to 16 stone while I was out so I’ve worked very hard in the gym to get the weight back down. Tony’s gym is buzzing at the moment because you’ve got Darren Barker doing so well and there’s a host of young guys coming through as well. It’s great to be back and in to the swing of things again.
“The first time around I didn’t take my career as seriously as I should have but I’m determined to give it 100% this time around. I must have been the only pro boxer who didn’t do any roadwork but Tony said he wouldn’t take me back unless I started running so my attitude is different now. I know that there will be no more second chances and I need to make the most of the time I have.”
The 29-year-old will now campaign at super middleweight and says he’s taking inspiration from gym star Barker as he bids to follow in the Barnet man’s footsteps by securing a British title shot. “It’s been brilliant training alongside Darren, even being around him pushes you on and obviously it means there is top quality sparring in the gym.
“I’m targeting a British title shot. To fight for the Lonsdale belt is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a little kid. No offence to any of the super middleweights on the domestic scene right now but I don’t see anyone too special there. It’s a wide open division and if I can get a few good wins under my belt then I think I can get myself in the frame for a title shot.”
Cadman’s return to the ring at the Brentwood Centre on November 28th is part of a Hennessy Sports event which is live on ITV4. Darren Barker’s British Middleweight title showdown with Wayne Elcock tops the bill while the undercard also features Colchester’s Lee Purdy defending his Southern Area Welterweight title against Wokingham’s Mark Douglas. Exciting light middleweight puncher Yassine El Maachi will also be in action alongside unbeaten prospects Bradley Evans, Bobby Ward, Phill Fury and Steve Barnes.
Tickets for the bout priced £30 and £80 are available from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.
