Tom Brennan reckons he’s put himself in the fast lane for success despite his frustration at missing out on ring action.
His spell on the sidelines should end when BCB Promotions stage another show at the Venue, in Dudley, with a Friday fight night set for June 17.
Brennan has boxed twice since returning to action last year, after the pandemic, but hasn’t engaged in competitive combat since February, with his pro record standing at 3-2.
The 29-year-old has used the time to hit the road for sparring sessions, travelling from his home in Dumbleton, Worcestershire, to places as far afield as London, Leeds and Exeter.
Brennan also has his own gym, the Barn Boxing & Fitness facility in Clanfield, Oxfordshire, and is trained by Ameen Khan, out of the Truth Boxing Club (MTK Gloucestershire).
He’s been a pro since 2019, when he turned over with a victory over Mac Pemhiwa, with a point between them as the debutant nudged past him, through a 39-38 points success.
Brennan stepped up to six rounds in just his second pro outing, which saw him outpointed by Paul Kean, who dropped just a share of one round when awarded a 60-55 verdict.
Another six-rounder beckoned later that year, with the Channel 5 cameras rolling when he took on Michael Hennessy Jr, son of promoter Mick, and lost another points call (58-57).
His sole action of 2021 saw him thwart Paul Cummings, through a 39-37 margin, before another points victory, this time 40-37, over Josh Hodgkins in February.
Brennan said: “In my last one, it was probably the best I’ve boxed, but I know I can do better now. This time, I want a complete performance.
“I’m my own worst critic, so I know what I didn’t do too well. He was heavier than me, so I should have boxed on the back-foot more than I did.
“For the first two rounds, I pretty much met him in the centre of the ring and stood on the inside, a bit too much. In the third, I did box him more, but I wasn’t aggressive enough.
“Since then, I’ve been popped on to and pulled off a few shows. Three of my last five scheduled dates haven’t happened, which is not ideal and hasn’t helped my case
“I’m always in the gym, training and sparring, but I’m staying positive. I’m a bit further along, in my development, through the additional time I’ve spent with Amin (Khan, coach).
“I’ve been around the country sparring. At one point, in my camp, I’d done 700 miles in six days! That’s all experience, going up against different lads and styles.
“I’m at my gym, most nights, so my job is a bit back to front and I have to spar in the morning or afternoon, so I need to be with full-time pros, as a lot of fighters work during the day.
“I just want to get more fights under my belt, keep pushing towards a Midlands title and I don’t mind who I have to go through to get it.
“They don’t give titles out lightly, in boxing. If I get the chance and I’m good enough, I’ll win. If I’m not, then I will go down fighting.”
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.
