Boxing’s funny because you’re one win away from a completely different life and you’re one loss away from being a bum, so you better hope you get the win,” says Brad Pauls, reflecting the gravity of his upcoming clash with Denzel Bentley.
The Importance of Pauls’ Fight with Bentley
This Saturday, Pauls faces Bentley at Wembley Arena, where the pair will compete for the European and WBO International middleweight titles, as well as Pauls’ British middleweight belt. However, the stakes go beyond just these titles. The winner is likely to land a world title shot in 2025, with Bentley ranked number one in the WBO and Pauls in second place. For Pauls, it could be the culmination of a lifetime’s work, as the fighter known as the “Newquay Bomb” seeks to solidify his place in history.
A Career-Defining Fight for Pauls
Pauls has already achieved something remarkable by becoming the first Cornish boxer to win the prestigious Lonsdale belt since 1939, defeating Nathan Heaney for the British title earlier this year. But he knows that Saturday’s fight will be a defining moment in his career. “It’s strange, but what else did I expect to happen? I’ve done nothing else, I promise you, I’m not good at any other thing,” he says.
The fight with Bentley could potentially launch him into a world title opportunity, making it not just a battle for belts, but for his future in boxing.
The Fight’s Intensity and Pressure
Pauls, 31, brings an impressive record to the ring with 19 wins, one loss, and 12 knockouts. Yet, he recognizes the weight of the challenge Bentley presents. “It’s a lot of pressure, but that’s what makes it exciting; it is so much to gain, so much to lose all at the same time,” Pauls reflects during a break from training.
He also acknowledges the pressure on Bentley, a two-time British champion and former world title challenger. “For me, I’m the underdog in this fight,” Pauls admits, adding, “he’s the established champion.”
A Dangerous Fight with a Familiar Opponent
Pauls has shared plenty of rounds in the gym with Bentley and knows that he’s in for a dangerous fight. “I know Denzel, his gym’s 10-15 minutes away, I’ve sparred plenty of rounds with him. I know it’s a dangerous fight. Denzel hits hard, has a lot of knockouts, but so do I,” says Pauls.
Despite knowing the risks, Pauls has opted for the tougher challenge. “When they presented me with the options for my next fight, they said you can fight Denzel or someone else who wasn’t as challenging, and I took the tougher fight.”
Cornish Pride and Community Support
Pauls’ victory over Heaney earlier this year made him the first Cornish fighter to win a British title in over 80 years. The support from his home county has been overwhelming. “All the Cornish people just want to see me do well,” Pauls says proudly. “There’s no hate, no agenda, they just buy tickets to help me achieve my dreams.”
For Pauls, the encouragement from Cornwall plays a huge role in motivating him to continue pushing for greatness in the ring.
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