[Written by Stephen Wright]
Boxer Adrian Roach says he is eager to accelerate his professional career and hopes to return to the ring before the end of the year.
Roach announced himself in style with a first-round stoppage win over Canadian Brent Coxworthy on his professional debut at The Shed in Dockyard in July.
The 23-year-old admits the experience has left him craving more.
“I’ve got a deep hunger and a fire in my belly,” Roach told Bernews.
“I took some time off, had a vacation, but the whole time I felt guilty because I want more.
“It was a great feeling to get the job done. It was a long 12-weeks of training camp, putting the work in, and it felt good to finally make my debut.
“My first fight is out of the way, I got the first-round KO, but I know there’s a long road ahead.
“I was satisfied, but not really, because I want to chase more.
“I’d like at least one more fight this year. I’d have liked two, but there isn’t too much time to get two healthy training camps in before the year is up.”
A decorated amateur, Roach represented Bermuda at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador and was named Boxer of the Year at Crandall University’s Blue & Gold Awards in March.
With 41 amateur bouts under his belt, he believes that experience will speed his transition into the paid ranks.
“My amateur experience contributes to how calm I am as a boxer,” Roach said.
“I fought some accomplished fighters. You often only know who you’re fighting two weeks before an amateur fight.
“I don’t want to stick to the four-round fights for too long. Hopefully, I can move up to six-rounders soon enough.
“I had plenty of fights as an amateur – I do believe I’m ready for six-round bouts.”
Roach trains under Leo Richardson at Controversy Gym, while also working with Varo Pelon Andrade and the Fresh & Hungry Boxing Club in Warwick.
Although he intends to remain based in Bermuda, he has not ruled out overseas training camps as his career develops.
“I have to work my schedule around my duties as a father,” he said.
“It doesn’t make sense to head out to Vegas to prepare for four-round fights. Maybe that’s something I’ll look at as my career progresses.”
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