Quartermaine can go on to better Brook, says Cleary
Quartermaine suffered a split decision defeat to Birmingham City’s Imram Ali in the CYP Championship last weekend but despite the loss, Cleary predicts a bright future for the 16-year-old.
“Danny is now building his reputation and gaining valuable experience,” said gym owner and former professional Cleary.
“He’s a very special talent.
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Hide Ad“He spars with seniors in the gym as he’s too strong for boxers his own age.
“I was lucky to have seen Kell Brooke when I trained in Sheffield and would say Dan’s ahead of Kell at the same age.”
Quartermaine started slowly against the experienced Ali, standing off him in the first round and allowing the Birmingham fighter to pick him off.
A change in tactics in the second saw Quartermaine up his work rate and push Ali back on to the ropes.
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Hide AdIt was a similar story in the third round with a tired-looking Ali content to get through to the final bell.
However, despite Quartermaine’s aggression, Ali got the nod from the judges three to two.
“Dan’s record now is only 12 bouts with his two losses coming by a split decisions,” said Cleary.
“We could hold him back, build up his record against boxers with the same amount of fights but Danny doesn’t want that and he understands the game. He wants fights and wants the top lads.
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Hide Ad“Danny’s boxing well ahead of himself - most of the lads in the CYPs have triple his experience - and he has the strength, skill, desire and maturity to turn pro at a very young age.”
Cleary’s ABC wish to clarify that the club’s secretary is Chris Sunner and not, as published last week, Harriet Jones.