Goldsmith set for his stiffest test as a pro

Bradley Goldsmith…faces rugged Welshman at Leicester Arena

THE career of red-hot prospect Bradley Goldsmith – a potentially glittering career slowed by injury and scuppered contests - moves up a gear on Friday, June 14.

The Coventry middle, unbeaten in 10, faces a live, dangerous and ambitious opponent who carries a dig at Leicester Arena. Carl Greaves promotes.

In the opposite corner for the eight rounder will be tall Welshman Ricky Rowlands who has won five of six but been inactive for 14 months.

Rowlands was not the original choice of opponent – two other possible bouts fell through. And, to an extent, the problems in sealing next week’s contest encapsulates the frustrations Goldsmith has faced.

It is something the 25-year-old, who enjoys a huge fanbase, is getting used to.

“When my opponent changed I wasn’t even shocked,” Bradley, who trains at Dominic Ingle’s gym in Sheffield, told me. “I just laughed.

“Those little things can throw fighters off their ball game. I take the positives because I believe adversity builds a better fighter.

“There are plenty of others in a similar position who let it drag them down. People know what I’m all about. There’s plenty of time. I never want to be a gatekeeper – I want to get there (at the top) and stay there.”

Goldsmith looks the complete package – he has a fine amateur pedigree, high ring IQ and hits hard with both hands. As a pro, he’s yet to be tested.

Last year, an eye injury sidelined him for five months, but Goldsmith bounced back with a dramatic two round demolition of Vasif Mamedov on GBM’s major Coventry Skydome show in March.

He has seen lesser fighters gain titles and exposure on big TV bills, but stresses there’s no rush: Bradley’s in the game for the long haul.

“In the first 13 months of my career I had six fights completely injury free,” he said. “I was going in the right direction, then my eye injury kept me out for five to six months. That meant I missed a couple of TV opportunities.

“Everything happens for a reason, it’s all part of the story, there’s always someone worse off. I’m not going to jump up and cry about things that have gone wrong.

“I started this year well, basically sold out the Skydome, had a good performance. It’s the nature of the beast – the little injuries, the things that happen in the professional game. All I can do is take my opportunities, make sure I shine and keep climbing up the rankings.

“A good performance next week puts me in place for a big end to the year.”

Bradley stressed Rowlands represents a step-up.

He added: “It’s on a Friday, in Leicester and at the same time the Euros start, but I’ve sold around 200 tickets. I have fans who will travel the country to watch me fight and I feel blessed to receive their support.”

Bradley plans to repay his Barmy Army with a memorable display next Friday.