Dale Flute reckons top-class sparring will stave off the ring rust as he prepares for his first competitive contest in over SIX years.
His pro debut will come when BCB Promotions are back at the Venue in Dudley, for the first time since July 2019, as part of Friday’s fight night (March 4).
He turns over to the pro ranks a long time removed from his amateur career, which was spent with Priory Park Boxing Club in Dudley, where he remains a coach.
His own trainer is Richie Ghent, another product of Priory Park BC, who now runs the RG Box Fit gym in Bilston, Wolverhampton, assisted by another ex-pro, Robert Wright.
Flute is entering the super welterweight division and has Danny Ball and Conah Walker, challengers for the British and English welter titles respectively, to spar with at RG Box Fit.
The 26-year-old, from Tipton, is the second cousin of Andy Flute, a contender for the British middleweight crown in the early 1990s, who was a sparring partner for Chris Eubank.
Flute is determined to make a name for himself and is not overly concerned about the time out of action, after racking the rounds in the training ring.
He said: “A pro camp is completely different to being an amateur, there’s a lot more structure. I know what I’ve got to do and when to do it.
“I had a few amateur bouts and I’m still involved with Priory Park (Boxing Club), as a coach. Richie (Ghent) taught me how to box, when he was there. I was only 15.
“I stopped boxing in 2015, because I tore a ligament in my arm, but I stayed involved through coaching. I still go down there, two to three times a week.
“I work in refurbishment, so I lay slabs and kerbs, and I do strength and conditioning sessions, on top of that, so the fitness should definitely be there.
“I train six days a week, with running early in the morning and then boxing in the evening. I’m busy. I only got my pro licence a few weeks ago, but I’ve been in the gym since last year.
“I get boatloads of sparring, against quality opponents around my weight, without ever leaving the gym and BCB’s training base is just down the road.
“I feel as ready as I’m ever going to be, for my debut, and I don’t get nervous about fighting. I just want to perform well and get the win.
“I’m a pressure fighter, I like to get stuck in, but it’s with controlled aggression. I’m adjusting to the pro style, which is a lot slower than the amateurs. That suits me better.”
Tickets for the Venue bill are available, priced at £40 standard or £75 VIP ringside with buffet, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com.
