Undefeated Fleetwood boxer Dan Catlin takes the next steps in his fledgling career

The 5-0 middleweight hasn’t fought for over a year since stopping the usually durable Scott Williams in explosive fashion in the first round back in March 2020.

The 21-year-old, who is hoping to announce details of his next bout soon, has now signed a promotional deal with Dennis Hobson’s Fight Academy outfit.

Mentored by hugely experienced and successful manager Kevin Maree – who has previously been in the corner of both Carl Frampton and Michael Gomez – Catlin wants to get back into the groove this year before beginning to challenge for honours.

“Lockdown and not fighting has been frustrating, but it’s also done me the world of good,” Catlin said.

“I’m only 21, so I’ve had time to mature physically over the past year and as a fighter. I’ve made use of the time and I believe I’m a better fighter because of it.

“I’m buzzing to have signed with Dennis - it sounds like the start of a really exciting journey.

“He’s well proven in the boxing game. Kev trusts him and I’ve known Kev for a long time too, so I’m really excited to be starting to work with him.

“I’m an exciting watch, a come-forward fighter. I can punch hard and I like to try and get people out of there.

“I’m a pressure fighter. In my last fight I knocked him out clean and he’s only been stopped once before and that was to Tommy Fury (Tyson’s brother).

“Ideally, I’d like to get a good three or four fights in and then be in a position to step up next year.

“In my eyes I’m ready for the step-up now but it would be good to get more rounds in. I am still learning the pro game and those learning fights are essential.”

‘Dangerous Dan’ – who also works in a children’s home as a care worker – won 19 of 24 bouts in the unpaid code and is confident he will carry that winning form into the pro game.

“Dan was a top amateur,” his manager Maree said.

“He’s one of the nicest lads you’ll meet outside the ring, but in the ring he’s nothing but an animal.

“He hits ferociously hard, he’s been knocking lads out that haven’t been stopped before and putting them away destructively.

“He’s also one of the most dedicated boxers I’ve ever been involved with, he’s phoning me every week wanting me to arrange sparring with top fighters.

“He’s trained by one of my old fighters Jeff Thomas, who’s now bringing through some of my prospects and Dan is someone I’m really excited about.”

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