Chester prospect Doran is Hatton's latest signing
Over the last few months, BoxRec News has watched with great interest, the rise of Chester light-middle, Tom Doran. The punch perfect displays have gained real respect on these pages and it will be no surprise to our readers to hear that Tom has just got his big break. He will appear on the Hatton Promotions bill in Dagenham, on the undercard of the Small-Webb showdown.
It appears it wasn't only this website that has been impressed with his progress so far. Doran explains. “Yes, I will be signing with them. It hasn't been finalised yet but that is all getting sorted. I asked them how fast they could get me out and they said they would get me on this show, I'm looking forward to it.”
Hatton Promotions, in it's short history has become one of the best new outfits around. This is in no small part due to their quality undercards. Fights such as Renda-Samuels and Russell-Economides have captured the public's imagination. This seems destined to continue with Doran's first fight with Ricky and co when he faces off against Jamal Morrison. Morrison, at one time seen as a decent prospect himself is a real test for the youngster. This marks one of the most interesting parts of their match-making, they give their new stars real tests. It is like a gladiatorial school. Turn out to not be as good as they initially thought, you get beaten and have to regroup. Come through these massive tests and you a primed for the big time. Though this attitude would make many fighters nervous, it leaves Doran unfazed.
“I'm not bothered about dodging anyone. I know he has won five, drawn two and lost one but has been quite inactive. But I'm not really that nervous about fighting him, I'm more nervous about being on the big show.”
True to form from Doran, no big words, this is just another day at the office, just a much bigger office, with a nice view over the City, and maybe a larger desk! It is this mental strength that one suspects will send Doran's career in the right direction. Get too worked up about the opponent and disaster could be just around the corner. Only a couple of months back, Chester prospect Paul Economides seemed to have the world at his feet when he appeared of the Hatton-Ndou undercard. One brutal round later against Stephen Russell and he was sent back to obscurity. Things can change with one punch, the level headed approach could be for the best.
Morrison definitely seems one who could upset the apple cart. His only defeat last time out came against Manchester banger Denton Vassell, who he gave a very good work out by all accounts. Considering many believe Vassell to be a champion in waiting, that defeat doesn't seem to be that damaging, and he will more than fancy his chances of upsetting the four fight novice.
Doran's preparation can only have been helped by doing some sparring with the champ himself, Anthony Small. An enlightening experience according to the Chester man.
“Yes, I did four rounds of sparring with him and I certainly held my own. I was really impressed with my strength, I have calmed down with my footwork and I am moving my head more. I did well.”
Doran also has nothing but good thinks to say about Small, who isn't really everybody's cup of tea with his attitude in interviews.
“I was quite surprised, I thought he would be a lot cockier than he was, he is actually a really nice fella.”
So Doran has arrived at the big time, quicker than a lot would have imagined. So where does the Doran see himself at the end of the year? Unsurprisingly no big words, that would be completely out of character. Just the steady approach that marks the man.
“By the end of the year I want to be doing the six round distance easily, and looking at title shots.”
First he must defeat Morrison, the man who is coming to tear his dreams apart. If he does come through this test then one can only see good things in the future for a man who really does want to let his gloves do the talking.
