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Dale drives himself to
pugilistic success
Dale Evans is rightly regarded as one of the most exciting young prospects in Welsh amateur boxing and it is no more than the 17 year old from Carmarthen deserves since his dedication to being a member of Merlins Bridge ABC means that he has to drive 30 miles each way for training sessions.
A measure of his ability can be gauged from the fact that he is the current Welsh and British ABA champion for his age and weight, no mean feat when one considers all the travelling he has to do to get bouts because of his success rate, which deters some trainers from putting their boxers in with him.
Battling back to success
He showed his mettle when he lost in the British Finals the year before last on a very narrow and hotly-disputed decision in Scotland before returning to the same venue last year and beating a Scot called Aston Brown in the final, a huge success with his opponent having home advantage but going down 27-21 to a delighted Dale and his trainer, Graham Brockway.
Now Dale is aiming to be Welsh Association of Boys’ Clubs champion and after a cracking recent win when he stopped his opponent Gary Evans (Southampton) in the third round in Cardiff he now has to travel to the famous York Hall, in Bethnal Green, London, to try and achieve further success and another title at his weight of 64 kgs.
Great support and commitment
At one time his parents, Jamie and Joanne Evans, used to undertake the duty but now that he is old enough to have a motor bike then Dale can at least drive himself and save his highly supportive parents a little time as he continues to strive for success at the amateur game before trying to achieve his ultimate goal of being a professional boxer.
His commitment includes that 60-mile round trip at least four times a week and coach Graham Brockway says of his young charge,
“The best thing about Dale is that he is bursting with talent but this is never enough in the boxing game because you have to have a big heart, be totally dedicated and ready to go through hoops to do well. If I ask Dale to come down to Merlins Bridge seven days a week before important championship bouts then he would do that because that is the way he is.”
Success at Merlins Bridge
His overall record as an amateur boxer currently stands at an impressive 44 wins and only ten defeats, with an even better ratio of 24 wins in 27 starts since he decided to join up with Graham at Merlins Bridge.
“It’s a lot of travel but it is worth it because I get the best coaching and it has really paid off,” says Dale, “it is a bit tough sometimes to travel back home after a hard session where I’ve been on the pads and punch bag, done some circuit work and sparring, but I know that it is what I want. I’m glad to have the chance and my parents and Graham have all been great in supporting me.”
It is appropriate that the last word should be left to his coach and Graham is full of praise for his commitment and the example he sets to the others in the gym.
“Dale sets the tone with his work-rate and willingness to listen to good advice and I am delighted that he is doing so well because he is one of the best prospects I have ever had at the club and no-one deserves it more!”
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