By Oliver McManus: Bradley Spencer is a man coming into the super middleweight division at a time where the talent is seemingly endless – with 81 active British fighters in that division, Spencer just here to make up the numbers.
Indeed the 22 year old has lofty aspirations as to what he can do in the game and with age on his side, as well as the heavy backing of the QPR faithful, it will surely take something special to deter him from his quest to glory.
A points victory over Iain Jackson, a durable journeyman, back in March this year set the ball rolling and the tone going forward is much the same – durable opponents to give rounds to young Bradley as opposed to flat-out bums that could led to some having a rather big ego (hello, Prince Patel).
Ego, fortunately, is not a word you could describe Bradley Spencer with, a humble, down to earth man who accommodated me more than could be expected, here is the interview;
You turned professional back in March, got the win – how did it feel to get the first bout out of the way?
It felt great to get in the ring after such a long absence, the win was just an added bonus. I waited a long time for that moment and it’s great to have it done and out the way now and I can really push on with my career.
Beforehand were you intent on performing a certain way or did you just want to get the win, in any manner?
Considering I had so long out of the ring for me I just wanted to get in there and get the win. However I wanted to do it in a constructive way, take my time be patient and really look to get the 4 rounds under my belt.
And you’re fighting again on May 19th, how is prep going?
Preparation is going great for May 19th. I had a week off after my last fight and then I was straight back in the gym to prepare for this one. I’m feeling fitter then I’ve ever felt before and I’m looking forward to putting on a career best performance. I’ve got a great trainer in Barry O’Connell and things are going great.
How regularly would you hope to get out this year?
After May 19th I would ideally like to get a further 2 bouts before the end of the year. I won’t be boxing over the summer due to the World Cup but definitely looking at a couple more the second half of this year.
Will you be looking to make early statements or rather get some rounds against durable opponents?
I know for sure I have a very durable opponent in my next fight, so for me I’m not looking to go out all guns blazing trying to stop him. So I’m expecting the fight to go the distance and can promise you it will be a clinical performance with my speed, fitness, and defensive ability. But If I see an opportunity for the stoppage I will take it.
There’s a BIG QPR allegiance following your career, how does it feel to have such support?
The QPR following is great. I’ve always been a massive fan of the club so to have them on side is a massive bonus and a great achievement for me. I hope to have a good turnout of rangers fans on the night and look forward to showcasing my ability to them.
Do you sometimes find it can add extra pressure or is it a 100% help?
This is a sport where the pressure is constantly over your head, one small mistake can be career changing. But I just like to focus on the job ahead rather than who’s in attendance and watching, so for me it’s no added pressure.
You’re managed by Goodwin Boxing, how important have they been in your progression?
Goodwin boxing are great. Steve and the team are always looking out for us getting us the best fights and are genuinely real down to earth. It’s hard to find people you can trust in boxing but from what I’ve seen Goodwin Boxing will really help me progress with my career, and I know they have my best interests at heart.
And just going back a step to when you first got into boxing, what was it that motivated you to turn pro?
Over the last few years I have boxed a number of top class boxers, I’ve sparred world level fighters, and have had the opportunity to work alongside some fantastic coaches. For me it was a mixture of all three that inspired me to turn professional, I really started to see my potential and how far I could possibly go.
Finally mate, this time in 12 months, where will you be?
This time in 12 months I will be comfortably sitting undefeated with 6/7 fights under my belt building myself up for title contention. I’m in a division that is full of talent and top level fighters so I’m looking at taking my time getting the ring experience before throwing my name into the mix.