FRESH off a sun-soaked training camp in Tenerife, the newly crowned Midlands Area super-featherweight champion, Brandon Bethell, is feeling refreshed and ready to put on a show. The 24-year-old Wolverhampton talent is set to return to the venue where he claimed his first title—the WV Active Aldersley—for BCB Promotions’ ‘Unfinished Business’ on October 24.
Bethell’s trip to the Canary Islands was strictly business. He and coach Gavin Burrows sought a warmer climate for his eighth fight camp, a change Bethell believes has been hugely beneficial.
“I wanted to get in some warm weather training,” said Bethell. “Having somewhere me and Gav could go away, with no distractions and outside of the gym… It was hard work; I had Gav onto me all day when it’s one on one like that. I feel like you recover so much better in the sun, and you can just wake up and go again. I had a few days off after the title fight. It’s the first time I have had a bit of a break, and I regret it in some ways, as it’s tough getting back into it, but I know that I needed it to reset and come back ready to go.”
In June, Bethell successfully navigated an intense build-up to face the unbeaten Nico Ogbeide, putting on an excellent 10-round performance to secure the vacant title via a referee’s decision. While Ogbeide immediately called for a rematch, Bethell is happy to let his manager, Errol Johnson, and coach, Gavin Burrows, guide his next steps.
“The first few days I was wearing the belt round the house,” he laughed, “but now it’s safely put away. I boxed well; I was happy with my performance, but there were plenty of things to work on. I won the early rounds, and I won my rounds clearly, whereas the ones he won were a lot closer. It was a special night. I loved the venue, and my supporters all had a great night. My focus is only on my next fight. I saw Nico calling me out, but I leave that to Errol and Gav. I just concentrate on working hard, and what they think is right, I will go for.”
The belt will not be on the line for this upcoming six-round bout, but Bethell recognizes the value of every minute in the ring during this apprenticeship phase of his career. “It’s going to be another tough fight, a tough opponent, so my preparation has been good, not just training away but also sparring with Lewis Morris and Conor Baker, who are both on the show.”
Bethell’s sights are set high. “Winning the Midlands was great, but I want to go to the very top and keep fighting good people and put on entertaining nights for my fans.”
The fight takes place on the undercard of the highly anticipated Midlands Area Featherweight Title rematch between Ryan Griffiths and Lewis Morris. The stacked card also features fellow unbeaten fighters Bradley Thompson, James Griffiths, Paige Goodyear, Mia Holland, Regan Williams, Conor Baker, and Callum Seedhouse, as well as the returning Jacob Lloyd.
Final remaining tickets are available now, priced at £45 for general admission and £80 for VIP, directly from the boxers or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.
