Brad Strand has inked with Frank Warren just two fights into his pro career
Undefeated super-bantamweight Bradley Strand (2-0) was a four-time national amateur champion and England representative who turned professional after he won the Senior ABA’s in 2018.
It’s that educated and skilled boxing background, coupled with his smooth transition to the pro ranks, that led to Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren signing promotional contracts with the talented youngster.
Brad beamed, “I’m over the moon to have signed with Frank Warren. I suppose there is added pressure on me now but nothing I can’t handle; I always want to impress every time I’m in the ring.”
Now, the 22-year-old Liverpudlian wants to bring boxing back to his home city, starting with his next fight on February 28 at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool.
“Looking forward to fighting on the 28th,” Strand said. “I haven’t boxed since September so I can’t wait to get in there!”
The Black Flash Promotions event is titled ‘Undefeated’, as a whopping 13 boxers with a perfect records fill the bill.
Strand is joined by his Everton Red Triangle teammates Nick Ball (11-0) and Andrew Cain (4-0), who also signed with Warren at the same time; there’s also super-flyweight Connor Butler (3-0-1); super-middleweight Harry Woods (3-0); super-lightweight Jonathan Walsh (3-0); welterweight Jack McKinlay (1-0); and super-flyweight Carly Skelly (2-0).
All managed and trained by Paul Stevenson at the talent-rich, century-old Everton Red Triangle gym – except for Carly Skelly, who trains elsewhere – the octet of unbeaten pros, who are undefeated in 30 pro fights between them, will provide fight fans with a sensational show on the last weekend of the month.
“I don’t think people realise how good the talent is on these small hall shows,” Strand continued. “Everyone knows that Liverpool have got so many good boxers coming from here and I think we need someone to take it to the next level, I know Callum Smith is doing it, but there’s not many big shows coming out of Liverpool at the moment.
“Callum Smith getting a world title fight at Anfield would be great for the city. When David Price was coming through, there were loads of shows in Liverpool, but there hasn’t been lately. All of us from Everton Red Triangle fighting at the Echo Arena and selling out shows there would be amazing.”
In order to fulfill these dreams of big nights of boxing, the fledgling pros must sell enough tickets to the events they are fighting on. Trainer Paul Stevenson works closely with his band of boxers to come forward and win their fights in sensational style to ensure the crowds keeping coming back.
“It’s such a massive part of it,” Strand said of selling tickets to shows. “I don’t think people turning over actually realise that it’s the biggest part!”
The 122lbs division Strand is operating in is a hotbed of talent, with Thomas Patrick Ward (29-0) closing in on a world title shot soon and Gamal Yafai (17-1) heading towards a European title fight.
On the domestic front, Lucien Reid (8-0-2) gets his chance for revenge against British super-bantamweight champion Brad Foster (11-0-2) after cruelly being denied the decision on the scorecards in their first fight last September.
Despite the weight class being so competitive, Strand revealed that he doesn’t pay attention to any of them at the moment, “I only caught the highlights of Foster-Reid, to be honest, but I don’t really look at who’s doing what at my weight, I leave that to my manager and I’ll fight whoever’s in front of me.”
There will be a guest appearance from Commonwealth super-welterweight champion James Metcalf (20-0) on the show, as well as being supported by super-middleweight southpaw James Heneghan (3-0); super-lightweight Michael Hedges (2-0); David Thompson (1-0), and hard-hitting heavyweight Karl Tierney (1-0).
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