CLEARY’S boxer Danny Quartermaine is set for a first-ever professional bout next month after making the step up from the amateur ranks.
The 22-year old from Cubbington will appear on a card at Villa Park’s Holte Suite on Saturday February 22, where he will launch his professional career after 89 fights during his amateur years with Cleary’s Amateur Boxing gym.
Having debuted in the ring at the age of 15, Quartermaine’s head coach Edwin Cleary will be in the fighter’s corner for his first-ever punch for pay event, having previously overseen career highlights which include a silver medal at the Haringey Box Cup and a Team GB call-up.
Speaking on his decision to make the step-up, in which he will be managed by Mervyn Turner, Quartermaine says it is important to make an impact to continue his upwards progression.
“I haven’t turned pro to have a few fights and walk away,” he said.
“I want to get to the top, but I know I have to take it step-by-step. The first thing I need to do is to get my name known by people in professional boxing.
“I need to build a reputation the way I did as an amateur.”
And with some big tests ahead on his rise through the rankings, the Cleary’s alumni believes he is well-placed to deal with whatever challenge comes his way.
“I was always boxing lads with more experience than me,” said Quartermaine.
“I never said ‘no’ to a fight. I’ve never been scared to fight anyone and if there’s a chance for sparring – I don’t care if they’re heavier than me.
“People always struggled to handle my aggression and they never asked for a rematch. I ended up getting a bit stale in the amateurs because it was a struggle to get fights.
“Professional boxing seems like a new beginning and I’m really excited.”
The rise of another star from the Leamington Spa gym has understandably left founder Edwin Cleary full of pride, who revealed the intention to keep Quartermaine grounded in the amateur game for as long as possible.
“Danny has had offers to turn professional over the last couple of years,” said Cleary.
“But we wanted him to compete at elite senior level for as long as possible.
“Mervyn has won Danny over with his plans for him, which will become clear in the next few months.”
