LEAMINGTON’S Danny Quartermaine says he is aiming to fight at the highest level on the back of his professional debut at Aston Villa’s Holte Suite on Saturday.
The 22-year-old fighter, who has been produced by Cleary’s Gym, was ousted on a 40-36 points decision against seasoned fighter Ibrar Riyaz at Villa Park in front of a sizeable travelling support.
Quartermaine managed to sell 300 tickets for his professional bow, such was the backing he received from his home town of Leamington and the surrounding areas.
And after getting his first taste for boxing at a higher level, Quartermaine is already hungry for more.
“I had nine seasons at amateur level, out of 89 bouts I won 75,” he said.
“I fought everyone and anyone as an amateur. I was thinking about going professional a couple of years ago, but thought I’d hold on for a bit.
“But now it makes sense to do so, I was getting a bit stale because of not being able to get fights.
“I think my style is more suited to the professional game. I’m excited now to see how I do over six, eight or ten rounds.”
With his opening four-round fight out of the way, the Leamington boxer is already looked ahead to the future.
“When I turned pro, the [British Boxing] Board said they couldn’t see why I shouldn’t be challenging for a title,” Quartermaine added.
“It’s early days, every one of us dreams of fighting for a world title, but I think I can compete at British and European level.”
Founder and owner of Cleary’s, Edwin Cleary, has overseen the progress of the fighter and tips Quartermaine to keep growing in the sport.
“He showed his class and his boxing ability against the much bigger man. It’s a great learning curve for Danny with the smaller eight-ounce gloves,” said Cleary.
“With his opponent over a stone heavier, Danny boxed to orders, keeping it long and working the body.
“Next time out, if his opponent is closer to his weight, then I’m sure you’ll see a bit of the old Danny mixing it up with the new.”
