Brad Pauls believes he has solidified his position among the top contenders in British boxing. As he awaits another significant title opportunity, he will gain crucial ring experience in a tune-up bout at the BCB Promotions` “Clash on the Coast 2” event. This fight is scheduled for Saturday night at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay.
The 32-year-old fighter from Newquay dedicated the last three years to ascending the middleweight rankings. His efforts culminated in winning the English title against Mitchell Frearson in 2023. This victory propelled him towards a challenge for the British title held by Nathan Heaney. After their initial close split decision draw, the pair met again six months later. Pauls secured the coveted Lord Lonsdale belt with a dramatic stoppage victory in the 12th round.
Pauls expressed his enthusiasm about returning to action. “I`m buzzing to be back out,” he stated. “Everyone knows how much I`ve wanted a fight after being out of the ring for six months. Since a televised fight wasn`t available right now, boxing back in the Southwest on this show was the best option.”
Pauls` most recent fight in December saw him lose his British title to Denzel Bentley at Wembley Arena via a competitive unanimous decision. Despite the defeat, Pauls regards it as a valuable learning curve and an experience that has significantly boosted his motivation.
Reflecting on the loss, Pauls commented, “What I took from my defeat was it`s all about learning from each fight. I was boxing someone in Denzel who I think is above British level, and I took that step up, and I`ve gained a lot of confidence from it.”
Looking ahead, Pauls has clear goals. “I want to get my British title back; I love that belt, and that`s definitely in my sights,” he affirmed. “I want to get the win Saturday, then I would one hundred per cent take the Kieron Conway fight. Nothing against him, but he has the belt that I want back.”
Finding a suitable opponent for a fighter of Pauls` standing can be challenging, but he has been matched with Omir Rodriguez from Panama, a seasoned veteran with 42 professional fights.
Rodriguez represents a tougher challenge than many might have anticipated. He recently secured victories over Ashlee Eales and has gone the distance against former world title challenger Austin Trout.
Pauls explained the process of securing this opponent for a non-title bout. “With it not being for a title, getting an opponent was going to be tricky; a lot of journeymen wouldn`t want to fight me, and I wanted a proper fight, and that`s what we have got,” he said.
He added, “Rodriguez isn`t your typical away fighter; he always has a go, and under the circumstances, getting him over eight rounds, I`m happy with it.”
While a return to the smaller local circuit might be a temporary step for Pauls, it offers his dedicated fanbase an opportunity to see their “Newquay Bomber” compete closer to home and in a more intimate venue.
Pauls highlighted the importance of his supporters in choosing this fight. “It`s a big reason why I chose this show. It was either here or the York Hall, and I`ve boxed on Errol Johnson`s shows before, and it was perfect, and it`s a bit of a thank you, really, to my supporters.”
“Getting to Torquay is a much shorter journey, and we will have a good number making the trip,” he continued. “It`s been different this time. I`ve been training all year, making sure I was ready, and I`m fit as a fiddle. I`m ready to get the win and then see what comes next.”
