the_godslayer

By Wayne Bartlett: To the unfamiliar, this will read as another talented amateur talking of achieving big things after abandoning the vest and head guard in search of pro stardom.

There are many believers in Ashley Sexton leading up to his pro career - and after his debut in Watford this Friday, I’m sure there’ll be a few more.

Making his professional bow this Friday 1st August at the Watford Coliseum, former amateur star Sexton hopes winning his first pro fight will be the catalyst that leads to his conquering of the domestic flyweight division.

Bringing an end to a highly successful amateur career that saw him represent England on over twenty occasions, winning medals in both the junior Olympics and six nation tournaments. The North London born boxer who’s amateur clubs consisted of Finchley, Cheshunt and Haringey Police, also claimed titles at schoolboy level, the junior ABA’s and had recent gold success at Haringey Police BC’s International Box Cup at Alexandra Palace.

Just eluding him however was the 2008 senior ABA title he so craved, after suffering a semi final defeat to eventual winner Adam Whitfield.

“The title was mine but I blew it on the night. I just got ahead of myself. No hard feelings but I’ve beat better kids and lost to better kids, so it’s just one of them things. Hopefully I can box him as a pro!” said the ambitious Sexton.

Despite turning only 21 in October, why the decision to turn professional rather than further achievements in the amateur ranks?

“It was a number of things. I’d had a lot of international amateur fights, fought a Cuban Yoandri Salinas who was ranked number 3 in the world, boxed in Vegas."

"I’d boxed all over the world so id done a lot, plus I was sparring with the likes of Ian Napa (British bantamweight champion) and Reidar Walstad (highly ranked European bantamweight) and I was doing really well with them.”

“Also I have a son, Archie, and now a little girl, Indie, so money was a factor, but the pro style seemed to suit me better. The longer rounds seemed to suit me better, I liked the whole environment and just felt I’m so more capable of doing things as a pro.”

Not one to shy away from speaking his mind, the confident Sexton soon set about his targets as he embarks on mixing it with the current crop of domestic flyweights.

“I look at the pro’s who are at fly and super-fly and I beat them. I don’t think the British title is out of my reach within a few fights. The people that are boxing for it - Chris Edwards and Wayne Bloy - I mean Edwards really is a journeyman and Bloy has lost every time he’s stepped out of journeyman class.”

“This is certainly no dig at them, but I feel give me the experience of a few fights, doing the rounds and seeing how it all works and I’ll beat them no problem.”

It would be easy to try and put Sexton in the same boat claim wise as cruiserweight king David Haye in his statements of reaching the pinnacle of the heavyweight division by knocking out top dog and gate keeper Wladimir Klitschko.

But given the lack of domestic flyweight opposition, coupled with the preparation undertaken for Sexton’s debut including sparring with partners such as British bantamweight champ Ian Napa, Former European title challenger Reidar Walstad, former British bantamweight champ Martin Power, newly crowned super bantamweight British champ Matthew Marsh, former British challenger James Yelland and 2-0 super featherweight Saud Hafiz - Sexton’s claims are very much realistic.

“I’ve never really been out of my depth. I’ve been able to spar really well and I’ve learnt so much from them, you learn little tricks like the way they dictate the pace.“

“I can only get better and hope I can keep learning at the rate that I am. To have people of that calibre to work with, I can‘t say thank you enough. Plus I‘ve had glowing reports from all of them. I‘ve never been in the comfort zone but they‘re all top fighters and I haven‘t looked out of my class either.” said the popular flyweight who goes by the ring name of ‘Flash’ Ash.

So who makes up the rest of Team Sexton?

“I’ve got the Dream Team! That’s my nickname for them. Training me will be Paul Rees up in St Albans with his assistant coach Andy Smith. Andy was a southpaw so if I ever have a southpaw I’m never going to have any trouble, plus Paul knows the game inside out.”

“I’ve got Mickey Helliet as my manager who I’ve known since I was 9, a great sponsorship deal with AmPro who makes my kit, and I’ve just signed a 3 year promotional deal with Frank Maloney. All I have to do now is my bit and get on the winning streak!”


Tasked with describing his style to fan’s who haven’t yet seen him in action, you can see the excitement Sexton has about proving himself in the months to come.

“I’m an all action fighter. I’m not one of these that will sit behind the jab and look for an easy win, I’m always trying to push the pace and try to hurt my opponent”

“I’ve just got to get in there and do the business. I’m hitting bantam’s and super bantam’s and hurting them, so I can’t imagine what I’m going to do to a flyweight when I have 8 oz gloves on.”

If ever you’ve witnessed ‘Flash Ash’ as an amateur, you’ll know your guaranteed an action packed fight, and the Hatfield resident has a clear idea of the path he hopes his career to follow.

"If I can get a British title at flyweight, work my way up the rankings at flyweight, then if the right opposition comes that leads to a world title I would jump at it."

"It’s easy to get carried away, but for now I just want to get the first fight out of the way. I want to get in there and do what i’ve been training to do."

20 years old, hugely likeable, 5’5 tall and a youthful look that belies a viciousness in the ring - The fast, box punching flyweight has all the tools to meet his targets in the paid ranks.

But like any other new young pro with potential, we’ll have to wait and see if he does.

One thing is for sure though - it’ll be thrilling finding out.

__________________
Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone

TommyGunn

Seems to have a good AM pedigree, i wish him well.

RMAcero722

I hope he does well and wish him good health. He kinda looks like Paulie Malignaggi, too.

__________________