Dave Coldwell Looks Back on Eventful Season

After touching on the varied fortunes of some of Coldwell Boxing’s vast roster in the first part of this interview, Dave Coldwell recalled several highs and lows of what was a hectic season for his rising group. One member of his stable not discussed in this feature’s opening piece is Manchester’s Matthew Hatton. The former European ruler returned from his crushing loss to Kell Brook by destroying the underachieving Michael Lomax in a round before falling short at the top level once more after going down to Chris Van Heerden in the South African’s hostile backyard. Coldwell is confident that his charge can return refreshed in the new season.

“Matthew is a fighter and I have no doubt that he’ll put the South Africa setback behind him when he returns,” revealed an enthused Coldwell. “With Matthew, you’re dealing with an absolute professional who will always give 100 percent no matter what the circumstances. There’s big fights for him at both home and abroad so it’s now up to me to go out there and do the best for him because I still believe that he has what it takes to go out there and add a few more titles to the ones that he’s already won. This next twelve months could be very interesting for Matthew.”

Also anticipating gloried seasons are Yorkshire pair, Nav Mansouri and Chad Gaynor. The popular duo earned well deserved applause following separate Prizefighter appearances even though their night was cut short at the semi-final stage. Mansouri rebounded by catching the English light-middleweight strap and a belt opportunity cannot be too far away for Gaynor who is desperate to take a seat alongside his Coldwell Boxing colleague on the privileged title carriage. Coldwell is adamant that Gaynor won’t be waiting long before he boards that ride.

“Chad Gaynor for me is one of the best prospects in British boxing and it’s only a matter of time before people start agreeing with me. This is the kid who was eliminated at the semi-final stage of Prizefighter but was the name on everyone’s lips all the next week. The impact he made was huge. He spends a lot of time in the gym and he’s been sparring elite guys pretty much from day one so I believe it is only a matter of time before he starts getting the rewards that his hard work and talent deserve.”

Coldwell’s assessment of Mansouri is equally impressive. “Nav winning the English title ensures that the coming season is going to be a busy time for him because there’s a lot of activity going on in his division and he’s certainly got the tools to play a major part in it. There’s a whole host of names who I often think about matching Nav with and I’m sure a few of them fights will come off in the new season. He’s worked really hard to become English champion but now he has to work even harder to push on aim towards the British. It’s a realistic goal for him because he’s a quality little fighter.”

Another Coldwell Boxing youngster who advanced in class was Maxi Hughes. The popular lightweight went into enemy territory back in spring when he tackled the highly-touted Scotty Cardle at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens for the vacant Central Area belt. Despite not receiving the winning verdict he desperately craved, Hughes left a huge impression and his promoter believes that another chance at honours is not far away.

“That fight between Hughes and Cardle was one that I was very confident about because I thought we were getting Scotty at just the right time but it wasn’t to be. Maxi has learnt an awful lot from the fight and he certainly had his moments in it but I thought he just lacked the little bit of experience and I’m sure he’ll come back well from it. He’s had a little taste of title class now and I know it’s made him even hungrier, I look forward to seeing how he responds next season.”