British Prospect Woodall Off To Promising Career Start In America

Unlike most British boxers who first establish themselves at home in the United Kingdom before fighting in the United States, middleweight Steed “The Stallion” Woodall packed up and moved over a year ago from Birmingham, England to Miami, Florida in order to pursue his boxing dream.

As an amateur, Woodall was a five-time England National Champion, two-time British Champion, and quarterfinalist in the World Youth Championships. His aggressive style has proven to be much better suited for pro boxing, evident by his impressive 7-0-1 (5 KOs) professional record.

“I spend most of my time in the gym,” Woodall said of his new life in America. “I don’t have any family here and my friends are from the gym. It’s been tough but I’ve been welcomed in America and I’ve really enjoyed living here.

“Last year, I arrived in Miami around the end of the summer and didn’t realize how hot it really gets until now. Every morning I walk outside and it’s still a shock when the heat hits me. It does prepare me for fighting under TV lights, I guess.

“I’ve gained a lot of valuable experience sparring top guys in our gym [5th St. Gym]. I was only 19 when I came here and I’ve learned how to be a professional boxer. I always felt my style and size would be better as a professional than as an amateur.

“I’ve worked on my jab a lot to be a better all-around fighter. I’ve had great sparring for my next fight with guys like Dyah Davis and Ed Paredes. I travel around to get sparring, too, with experienced pros and some top amateurs to get a chance to work against a lot of different styles.”

Woodall’s been preparing for his next fight, July 8, in a six-round bout against Devaun Lee (4-1, 2 KOs), of nearby Jamaica, Queens, at BB King Blues Club in New York City, where he’s fought two other times for his promoter, Lou DiBella. Woodall is Irish on his mother’s side and he has a growing fan-base in the Big Apple.

“It’s a great experience fighting in New York City, especially for somebody from such a small place like Birmingham,” Woodall noted. “It’s a dream come true, fighting in America, right in Times Square. I’m living the dream.

“I don’t really pay too much attention to my opponent. I fought world champions as an amateur, so I’m not overly concerned with my opponents. I just want to go and get the job done.”

Woodall has also fought professionally in the Dominican Republic, Virginia and Florida.