Brad Casey, a 20-year-old cruiserweight hailing from York, has recently taken a significant step in his career by signing a management deal with former world champion Sunny Edwards. Casey is currently in discussions to finalize a promotional agreement.
Casey boasts an impressive amateur record, highlighted by a gold medal win at the Haringey Box Cup. He competed in 60 amateur bouts and remained undefeated at the senior level.
Despite his amateur success, Casey feels his fighting style is better suited to the professional ranks and harbors a strong ambition to become a world champion. “Otherwise I wouldn`t be doing this,” he commented.
In an interview following a training session, Casey, who trains alongside heavyweight prospect Leo Atang, shared his perspectives on his career path and future goals.
Interview Highlights
You are now managed by Sunny Edwards, and you are trained by Ashley Martin?
“Yes, Sunny is my manager now, and Ash is my trainer. I couldn`t be happier with my team. Regarding a promoter, I`m still discussing with various people. I`ve wanted to turn pro for a while; I strongly feel my style is much better suited to professional boxing than the amateur game. 100%.”
Any date yet for your pro debut?
“It will be on a Matchroom card, either on August 9th or on the undercard of Dave Allen`s fight, likely at the end of September.”
How would you describe your fighting style?
“I like to think I`m versatile. I have a great engine. I can box from range or stand and trade. So, you can expect to see a bit of everything when I fight. My strong engine comes from my ring IQ – knowing how to use my energy wisely. I also train incredibly hard; I`m always in shape. I train twice a day, six days a week, only taking Sundays off. I`m ready to go pro now and plan to stay ready.”
And you have sparred some good fighters?
“Yes, Lyndon Arthur, Liam Cameron, Lerrone Richards, Darren Till. I`ve done eight and ten rounds with them. I only spar at least eight rounds now. For strength and conditioning, I work with Boxercise in Sheffield.”
How old were you when you first put the gloves on?
“I was six or seven. I actually started in kickboxing; that`s where it all began. I`ve been involved in combat sports ever since.”
Who are some of your all-time favorite fighters and heroes?
“Oh, the list is long. Roy Jones is my absolute favorite. Floyd Mayweather, and many more… I could go on and on.”
And your favorite current fighters?
“I really like Jai Opetaia; he`s absolutely incredible. He`s a truly world-class fighter.”
You know of course about all the things Henry Wharton did for York as far as boxing?
“Oh, yes, he`s a York legend. I plan to bring those glory days back. I want to build a large fanbase in York and beyond.”
Henry fought three times for a world title, but unfortunately, as good as he was, he just felt a little bit short. You feel you will go all the way?
“100 per cent. For a long time now, I`ve envisioned myself as a world champion. I wouldn`t be doing this otherwise.”
At 6’3”, you are pretty tall for a cruiserweight. As you progress in your career, the inevitable question will be, will you move up in weight and be a heavyweight one day?
“Yes, but I`ll see how my body develops. I`ve already sparred with heavyweights, so it`s not something I`d avoid. Leo [Atang] has been my best friend for years, and we spar constantly.”
We wish you well with the pro debut, and it would be great to see you get signed up by Matchroom the way Leo has…
“Yes, I want to be busy and active. I`d like to fight six to eight times a year. I`m just waiting for my pro application to be finalized, and then I`m really looking forward to my debut.”
