The Hattons latest prodigy - Alex Dilmaghani

The name Alex Dilmaghani (5-0 1ko) may not be the easiest name to say in British boxing, but it looks like it could be one we are hearing much more of in the next few years. 19-year-old southpaw Dilmaghani has compiled a five fight unbeaten record since he made his début in April 2009, and has impressed Ricky Hatton so much that the lightweight has been signed to a three year contract. It is a far cry from his years fighting in the streets.

“I was born in Redhill, Crawley but moved to Worthing as a kid. I used to get into a lot of fights with kids a lot older than me. I never went looking for fights, they usually came to me. It was mainly because I was smaller than them or cos I was of a different race. But I would never back down. It was then that my Mum sent be down to the boxing gym, she wanted me to channel it the right way.”

A typical beginning to a fight career but what wasn't typical was the natural talent that Alex displayed from the moment he stepped into the ring.

“When I first started in the gym I was twelve and they put me in sparring with an adult who had had a few amateur fights. I had no experience but it all came naturally to me. I used to watch boxing, the likes of Naz, Eubank and Tyson so I copied some of their moves. I bloodied his nose and was all over him, the trainers said I was a natural. From only a few months in I was only allowed to spar adults.”

One suspects that Dilmaghani's tough mindset comes from the death of his father at an early age. The loss of a parent can have a varying effect on a child, from sending them off the rails, to giving them a drive and determination that delivers success in later years. It made Dilmaghani very loyal to his remaining kin.

“My Dad died of cancer just after my eighth birthday and it made me and my brother grow up quickly. I really want to to good for my family. We have been through a lot and it would be really nice to treat them.”

Alex went on to turn pro at the very young age of eighteen. When most were going the traditional ABA route, he was opening up his 'punch for pay' account against hard man Baz Carey in London. It was an easy decision for Dilmaghani.

"I had twelve junior fights and four senior, winning 15 and losing just one. That was a pretty decent record but in the end, unless you win an ABA title, or an Olympic medal, it doesn't really improve your marketability that much. Plus my style was more suited to the pros. At the age of 16 I was coping really well with Henry Castle in sparring. This was at the same time he was having his best wins and he always said his sparring was harder than the fights. It was because of stuff like this that my trainers thought it was a good idea I go pro early. They were right, look at how many greats have turned over at a young age, Roberto Duran did and he didn't do too bad!'

Dilmaghani started his career under the promotion of Frank Maloney and the tutelage of Ronnie Davies in Brighton. But changes were going to be made on both fronts, for different reasons.

“I parted ways with Frank for one reason or another and I saw Gareth Williams (of Hatton Promotions) on Youtube saying that any unsigned boxers should make themselves known to the company. So my handlers sent information about me and they came to have a look at me against Daniel Thorpe at the Manchester Velodrome. They obviously liked what they saw, even though I think that was my worst performance. Thorpe ran away all night, I don't blame him for that, that's how journeymen make money, I just felt that was 20% of what I had to offer. Still, I got offered a three year contract with them and I haven't looked back.”

There are also other reasons why Dimaghani is happy to be with the Hattons. A more personal reason.

“Ricky was a fighter I, and most of my generation looked up to when we were growing up. He is a fighter's fighter and I know he will do what is right for the people under him.”

Dilmaghani's relationship with Ronnie Davies would also come to an end quicker than expected. Alex, one of boxing's more intellectual characters was going to University studying a Computer Science degree. Boxing and education however were not mixing well.

“Up in Brighton the gym wasn't opening at night so I was doing a lot of training in the day. That led to me missing lectures and I didn't want to do that, education is very important to me. Plus I wasn't getting much sparring. I felt it was time for a change.”

Changes were indeed made. Out with the old, and in with the new. Alex switched Universities, and removed Ronnie Davies from his role of trainer and manager.

“I transferred to Southampton University. There was a brilliant gym there under my new trainer Wayne Batten. They gym opens at night and I also get loads of great sparring with the lads down there, it has been a breath of fresh air. As Ronnie was my manager as well I needed a new one and that it where Mickey Helliet came in. He is a really nice guy, very experienced and is always out for your interests. He is everything you would want in that role.”

Having only joined Wayne Batten after his last fight (a four round points win over Johnny Greaves in Wigan) the results of the switch have been immediate and positive.

“I've improved big time under him. After only three months I can see the difference. I am training alongside the likes of Darryl Still, Matthew Tew, Matty Page, Mark Atkins, Johnny Fernandez and Tony Hill. These guys are quality operators and already my friends. There are people who I spar who I was edging when I was with Ronnie, now they are commenting on how much I am improving. The whole set up is brilliant.”

Thankfully his education didn't suffer too much. Despite all the upheaval, Alex still passed his first year, even though he admits to 'not having that much passion for Computer Science' and is 'seriously thinking of transferring to a Law degree.' No matter what happens in his boxing career, Dilmaghani is on the road to success. This will not be a tale of a boxer who leaves the sport and has nothing else to offer. One thing life has taught him is to be prepared for whatever fate throws your way. His dad you suspect, would be very proud.

Back to the noble art then. Where does Alex Dilmaghani see his career going? Once again his focus is evident.

“I wouldn't be in this game if I didn't believe I could go all the way. I have been doing work with Rendall Munroe and he says that at 19, I am better than he was. He is saying that and look at what he has achieved! This game is about being dedicated and keeping your feet on the ground.. I can do that, I have a real passion for the sport. Even when I had to take a couple of years out for education, I would still go to training and spar. I used to have to walk four miles to the train station and back to go to the gym because I couldn't afford the bus and train fair. That is the passion I have and the passion I believe will take me to the top.”

You would imagine Alex's feet will remain firmly rooted on the ground. After all he went through at an early age, his passion to succeed rears it's head one final time.

“I haven't come from a silver spoon background. I have had to fight for everything I have ever had and it's time for me to start giving back to the people who have believed in me.”

It looks like that time may not be so far away.