Last year was a breakthrough year for Denton Daley. He
emerged from the shadows at the fringes of the cruiserweight scene, besting
former world title challenger Richard Hall for the NABF cruiserweight title. He
followed the win by forcing Faisal Ibnel Arrami to retire on his stool at the
end of the fourth stanza before closing out the year shutting out former fringe
contender Jean Marc Monrose.
Despite turning pro at the
rather advanced age of 27, having only first laced up gloves in his mid-20s,
Daley, 11-0 (6), has progressed very rapidly.
“I give credit to my former coach, Dewith Fraser for building my foundation and
to my current coach, Syd Vanderpool for exploiting my talents.” said the
humble Daley.
“Denton is a very fast and well-conditioned
athlete. His athleticism allows him to adapt and compensate for his lack of
boxing experience,” Vanderpool would tell Maxboxing. “He is a student of the
game, however, and understands better than most what is going on inside the
ring. He learns with every challenge that is put in front of him. If you look
at his fights, you will notice that he is continually adding to what he is able
to do inside the ring. World championship is what he is about...that’s why he
puts in the hours of dedication to training!”
With that in mind, “The Brampton Bomber,” who turns 32 next month, meets
grizzled veteran Andres Taylor this Saturday in Ontario, his home region.
“I believe it will be a tough fight,” said Daley, “as [Taylor] wants what I
have and seems to be a determined fighter.”
Daley’s progression is mirrored by already being ranked by two of the
sanctioning bodies at cruiserweight, 15 by the WBC and seven by the WBA.
Anson Wainwright - On Saturday, you meet Andres Taylor. What are your
thoughts on that fight and what he brings to this fight?
Denton Daley - I believe it will be a tough fight as he wants what I have
and seems to be a determined fighter. I used to be hungry like him when I
fought for the North American titles and now I channel my determination towards
the world title.
AW - In your last fight, you impressively shut out Jean Marc Monrose. Could
you tell us about that fight?
DD - Yes, that fight was a good experience for me to be challenged by someone
as awkward as Jean Marc. He presented a style I haven’t
previously experienced during my time as a fighter and it was good for me to go
through it at this stage in my career. I shut him out, proving that I can adapt
and execute my coach’s teachings.
AW - How do you feel you’ve progressed as a
fighter?
DD - I believe I’ve progressed very well given my limited experience in
the fight game. My progression is based on sheer hard work and discipline,
coupled with the mentoring of my coach, Syd Vanderpool. As long as I stay this
way, my learning will be limitless.
AW - How far do you feel you are from the top cruiserweights in the world?
DD - I feel that I am closer with each and every single fight I win going
forward. I am physically and mentally prepared to challenge when the
opportunity presents itself to me. I am ready!
AW - The cruiserweight division isn’t very
popular in North America; however, in Europe, it’s hot. Is
that something you’re looking at? What do you think of the world champions?
DD - Yes, I am looking forward to travelling to Europe and getting experience
from fighting some of the great fighters there. I respect and believe a world championship
doesn’t just happen. The world champions in Europe will always
have my respect and I truly believe they are all great fighters in their own
way.
AW – Let’s talk about you personally. You hadn’t even
laced a pair of gloves until 2007. Can you tell us how this came about?
DD - I have always been interested in boxing and had an undercover love for the
sport. I started out as a basketball player for my local college but the
passion for boxing had always been there. What I mean is I’ve
always loved what it was about and respected the fight game to the point
whereas I wouldn’t train or call myself a fighter if I wasn’t going
to be able to dedicate myself to the science every day, in and out of the ring.
You don’t play boxing, and that’s
something I’ve always respected and ensured if I was going to enter
the ring, I would be prepared each and every time without excuses.
AW - So you were naturally talented at boxing?
DD - I wouldn’t say naturally talented by any means as I give credit to
my former coach, Dewith Fraser for building my foundation and to my current
coach, Syd Vanderpool for exploiting my talents. Without them, I don’t think
I could have propelled as fast and as far as I have.
AW - You were a very talented basketball player in college. How were you
able to translate that into boxing?
DD - A lot of movements in basketball can be easily transitioned into boxing.
The reaction time, movement and awareness are key qualities to have in
basketball as well as boxing. I guess that’s where
I’ve made my transition successfully.
AW - Tell us about your life away from boxing.
DD - Yes, away from boxing, I am a very personable person. I’m a
very boring guy in the sense that I find television to be very fascinating,
probably because I spend very little time watching TV. I enjoy movies based on
true stories. I like to invest and have a very businesslike mindset. I’m
always willing to learn how to expand my horizons through business-related
topics.
AW – Lastly, do you have a message for the cruiserweight division?
DD - I’m not in a position to call anyone out yet, so I will say
this: If you hold a belt or worthiness, I will be coming for you!
Questions and/or comments can be
sent to Anson at elraincoat@live.co.uk and you can follow him at www.twitter.com/AnsonWainwright.
