Danny Craven promises not to waste any more time in his career
This coming Sunday sees the return of Warrington's Danny Craven (5-2), who gets back in the ring for the first time since September 2018.
After an impressive start to his career, 26-year-old 'Taz' set the tone of his career early on by beating 12-1 Nathan McIntosh for the British Challenge belt, scored at 78-75, in just his third pro contest in May 2017.
This automatically propelled him into a bout with fellow prospect Isaac Macleod (8-0 at the time) on the undercard of Callum Smith's WBSS clash with Erik Skoglund.
The fight was a highly competitive one, with both having their fair share of success during the fight, however, it was not to be for the Warrington warrior after the referee John Latham scored the contest 58-57 in favour of Macleod.
"Looking back at that time the fight was good for me as I was excelling through the ranks pretty quick, so I wanted to keep fighting guys that were considered a step up in opposition," Craven commented.
"I felt I won the fight with Macleod, I would rematch him tomorrow."
Craven was then thrust straight back into the limelight as he took on fellow welterweight prospect Luther Clay (6-1 at the time) on the undercard of George Groves vs Chris Eubank in February 2018. The fight was typical of a Danny Craven bout, as it was all action but Clay just edged the contest in the eyes of the referee, again scored at 58-57, losing by a single point for the second time of his short career.
"I felt that in the Clay fight, I should have been more patient and picked my shots instead of rushing in and getting caught with silly shots, but it was a close fight and on that night it was just not meant to be," thCheshire combatant reflected.
"I am not built for four rounders, because I get better as the fight goes on. "The losses are going to make me a better fighter."
After two back to back defeats, Craven has since returned with two victories under his belt as he prepares to push on in his career.
Craven was due to fight in March for the Central Area title, but due to an injury suffered in training he was unable to compete which has led to more time out of the ring something that has frustrated him greatly
"My back completely went two weeks before the fight. I felt like an old man.
"I had a niggling back injury, which came back to haunt me, so I had a tough decision to make and I didn't want to go into the fight at anything less than 100 per cent.
"The whole situation sent me into a depression, and I didn't want to go to the gym, I was just not interested."
Danny has since returned to the gym after speaking to promoter Kieran Farrell who provided him with a fight date to look forward to and the motivation to get back in the gym and the ring.
"Kieran called me a few weeks with the fight date and automatically it gave me the kick up the arse I needed to get motivated again.
"I am looking forward to the fight, and as far as I am concerned I have no more time to waste.
"From now on I am taking things one punch at a time and one fight at a time."
Craven is back in action this Sunday, June 16, on Joe Gallagher's first promotional offering at the Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre, Wythenshawe.