Light-heavyweight prospect Aidan Cassidy, 23, will sign a professional contract with JE promotions and claims he is in good spirits ahead of making his pro debut later this year:
“My preparation is going well,” he told Rising East in an exclusive interview. “They say a happy fighter is a dangerous fighter and at the moment I’m really happy and enjoying what’s to come, so when I’m fight fit and ready to go I’ll be dangerous later on this year”
Roots
The Hackney fighter, who now lives in Kent, boxed for the famous Repton BC which holds a prestigious record as one of the top clubs in Europe, and claims the experience he has taken from this has helped his growth. However, he realises the pro game carries a unique dynamic:
Different Styles
“I have been lucky enough to fly Ireland to box as well as the Haringey Boxcup and club shows. The sparring is second to none, but now I’m finding the transition suiting me more.
“There is more time to work in the longer rounds and more rounds suit my style. So [I’m doing] little tweaks but enjoying it.
“I know I can fight from the sparring I’ve had, but also that bit of an amateur career at top-level clubs gives you that bit of pedigree you’ll need as the opponents start getting tougher in the pro ranks.”
Inspiration
In such a difficult sport as boxing, it takes considerable desire to reach the top level, which is why a lot of top fighters have marketable back stories. In Cassidy’s case, he takes inspiration from his dad and previous combat experience.
“My dad was a kick boxer and I competed at a decent level in Taekwondo before boxing, so I’ve always been around some sort of fighting, but I never thought of the Olympics or world titles – I just always dreamed of being called a professional fighter and [being] the best I can be.”
Cassidy will be trained at Kent Gloves Boxing Gym under the tutelage of Simon Gildea and Charlie Rumble. With undefeated prospects such as Charlie Shane and Oli Edwards also in the same stable, the debutant is in the right place for progression.