TRAINER Dave Coldwell believes that his charge Anthony Fowler must remain focused and avoid trying to play up to his hometown crowd when he fights for the first time in the pro ranks in Liverpool at the Echo Arena on September 30.

Fowler has been perfect so far since he turned over following the Olympic Games in Rio last year, recording two stoppages in his two victories, but Coldwell insists that any lapse in concentration by the 26-year-old will be dangerous in the early stages of his career.

Fowler will come up against Jay Byrne, who could well provide him with a stiff test in just his third fight and is an opponent that Coldwell has been pursuing for the Liverpool man as soon as the pair linked up earlier this year.

Coldwell told Boxing News: “He’s only two fights in but because of his name people will expect him to perform, especially in Liverpool. He must stay mentally switched on and not play to the crowd because that is a dangerous game and he could lose focus on the job ahead.

“If you do that, you can get tight and start loading up with every shot, which will only make it easier for his opponent, Jay Byrne. I’ve seen an interview with Jay and he is really up for this and always comes to win, which is so much better than just facing someone who is coming to survive.

“I wanted this fight last time, but Jay broke his hand so it’s been pushed back, however I believe it’s going to be perfect for his development, as it will cause him to really go through the levels and show what he is capable of. His debut was disappointing for me, he got caught up in the moment, but last time he showed how good he is, so I want to see him improve on that.

“Anthony is improving all the time and I’m really enjoying working with him. He can really punch but I believe there is more in there, so now it is all about taking what he does in the gym in training into the ring on fight night.”

Anthony Fowler

Greg Woodward/GB Boxing

Coldwell was also vocal in his praise for the newest member of his stable in Jordan Gill who returned to the ring after an 18 month layoff to stop the well respected Jordan Ellison inside two rounds at the Doncaster Dome on September 2nd.

He is hoping to keep Gill active and fighting regularly, starting with a potential date in October, before the pair set their sights on domestic clashes at featherweight, where “The Thrill” is now planning on plying his trade.

“I was over the moon with Jordan, who was fantastic, did what I asked and most importantly didn’t force the stoppage. He is very dedicated and that was a glimpse of what he could be capable of. Anyone who really follows the sport in the UK, knows Jordan Ellison is a tough test and what Jordan did to him doesn’t happen very often.

“Ellison comes to win and has been ripped off a couple of times in other people’s backyards, but Jordan dealt with him easily. We’ll try and get out again with him in October in another test, then we will let him off the leash and go after some domestic fights at featherweight.”

Coldwell also provided updates on the rest of his stable including the McDonnell twins and Tony Bellew, who are all awaiting official confirmation on upcoming dates, as well as Ryan Fields, the current Midlands Area welterweight champion who Coldwell is adamant deserves a big fight in the near future.

“Gavin should be out on the October 7 over eight rounds in Manchester, before a big fight in December, whilst Jamie is just waiting for the official announcement as to his next WBA bantamweight title defence. As for Tony, he will be out in December in a big fight, we just don’t know who it is yet.

“One man to keep an eye out for is Ryan Fields, who defends his Midlands Area belt against Andy Keates in a tough fight on the 13th October. I’ve been really happy with Ryan’s last two performances, especially blasting out Dale Miles inside a round last time and Keates is certainly not a soft touch.

“Ryan has had some really good wins and if you look at his record he has fought so many with winning records, which is a rarity in the sport at the moment. He works hard and deserves a change on a high profile stage to get some of the spotlight on him.”