BRADLEY SKEETE: ‘I’VE GOT AN EDGE OVER CHAS IN SKILL, SPEED, POWER AND LOOKS, ESPECIALLY LOOKS!’

After successfully negotiating 10 rounds last time out, Penge welter Bradley ‘Super’ Skeete is starting to eye up big titles.

On Saturday evening, on the undercard of Frank Warren’s mega ‘Three Kings’ promotion at the ExCel Arena in London’s Dockland’s, the 25 year old 6ft 1in stylist squares up to Croydon’s Chas ‘The Bomber’ Symonds in a big south London derby for the Southern Area belt, live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546).  Join www.boxnation.com

Now unbeaten in nine (three early), the former ABA finalist and 2006 World Juniors rep recently took time out from his hectic schedule to discuss his progress and plans with boxing writer Glynn Evans.

After eight low key wins whilst acclimatizing to the profession, you made a big step up last time narrowly outpointing Bermondsey’s Peter McDonagh over ten to claim the vacant International Masters title at the York Hall. What did you learn from that fight?

They were 10 hard rounds and I learned a lot. Al (Smith, his coach) had warned me how exceptionally tough McDonagh would be so I weren’t shocked. At welter, Peter’s the gatekeeper you need to get past to break into the title fights. He backed me up and kept me on the ropes for longer than I should’ve allowed. He also caught me with a few silly right hands but I got the job done.

In the past, I’ve been criticised for not getting opponents out of there (scoring stoppage wins) but all those rounds I had on my slate stood me in good stead. I was particularly pleased with my concentration and fitness.  I felt I controlled the pace, then took over late on, and my skills took me to victory.

It was an ideal prelude for Saturday evening’s Southern Area showdown with Chas Symonds. How has your preparation gone?

I knew straight after the Peter fight in September that a crack for the Southern Area was in the pipeline so took just a week out of the gym. I’ve been back at it for 12 weeks now, the last 10 weeks really hard.

Boxing is all about levels and because I’m now at ten round level, I’ve had to step up my track work. Being in the gym longer is hard but this is what I want to do with my life. I know the hard work will pay off on fight night.

Who have you been sparring to groom you for title level?

For this fight, I’ve done most of my sparring with Sam (Webb) who’s right at the top of his game because he’s challenging (British light-middle champ) Brian Rose this Friday. It’s been really tough but he’s got me in great nick. I’ve also been sparring the ‘Pexican’, Millwall Johnny Garton and a big rough middleweight over at Jason Rowland’s gym.

Previously, I’ve been in with George Groves, Erick Ochieng, Rob Lloyd-Taylor and several of the young up-and-comers at the TKO gym. Before my first eight rounder, I did ten rounds with Lee Purdy over at Tony Sims gym in Essex; really tough but I learnt so much.

With opponent champion Symonds hailing from Croydon, Saturday’s clash shall also be for south London bragging rights. Already there’s an ‘edge’ developing and there’s been several sharp ‘exchanges’ on the social media sites!

Yeh, there’s loads of interest. My phone’s not stopped ringing and I’ve already done over 200 tickets.

There’s been a lot banter between his mob and mine on Twitter and Facebook because we’re all local. We’ve several mutual mates. You get a few silly keyboard warriors who’ve never had a glove on getting very bold and brave. I wouldn’t mind sharing a round with one or two of ‘em (laughs)!

But I don’t mind it. It’s becoming part of the sport and, at the end of the day, it’ll just be me and Chas sorting it out in the ring.

What do you know of Chas? What problems could he set you? How do you overcome them?

No disrespect but, from what I’ve seen, Chas seems just a rough, tough, come forward right hand swinger! He’s got nothing I haven’t got. He’s been about for years yet has never got past Southern Area level. I intend going a lot further. I’m looking big!

I expect he’ll be dangerous for the first couple of rounds but I’ll be letting myself down badly if I allow him to come in head first and swing away. If Chas gets a little bit confident it could become difficult for me. I’m sure he’d like a hard war. I’ve got the juice in my tank and the balls for that if it happens, but why take a risk?

It’s very important I stay focussed.  I’ve got to dominate, make it my fight. I’ll be happy to go to points if I deliver a 10 round boxing clinic but ideally I want to take him out, show I’m levels above. I’ve got an edge in skill, speed, power and looks, especially looks!!

This is a big show with big names and I intend putting on a big performance.

Welterweight is one of Britain’s most densely talented divisions.  How do you assess the competition?

You’re right, it’s exceptionally tough.

For me, Kell Brook is the best by far, better than (Amir) Khan. He’s got the power and Khan’s chin is suspect. Now Frankie Gavin seems to have sorted his problems, I think he’ll definitely get to world level too. He’s classy; great skill and movement plus a good boxing brain.

(Lee) Purdy could also get to world level. He’s proper heavy handed with those little gloves and tries to knock your head off your shoulders with every shot. Darius Vassell is another. He showed he was far too strong for Ronnie Heffron the other week; man against a boy.

There’s also some quality veterans like Matt Hatton, Junior Witter, Colin Lynes, Craig Watson, David Barnes…. I look up to them all and aren’t in a rush to fight them yet.  I might need to chop off a leg to move down to light-welter or pig out on mum’s dinners and move up to light-middle!

But welter is where I’m at my premium. I’m very fortunate with my sponsors. Swelter provide me with sweat suits which are crucial to me making the weight. Usana provide me with all my supplements and proteins which gives me with a big boost; allows me to stay stronger for longer.

When do you expect to make the big push for the major titles?

Right now, I’m still young, still learning, and happy to keep ticking along. I’m ambitious but I’m in it for the long run and, if you rush it too soon, you get found out. It’s all about right fights at the right time. When I get to the really meaningful titles, your British, Commonwealth and European, I want to dominate.

If I can come through on Saturday, I’d like another five in 2013 and, if I can keep looking good, I’d like to knocking on the door of a British or Commonwealth challenge by the end of the year.