Debutant watch - Daniel Slaney
Next up in the BoxRec Debutant watch series we feature light-heavyweight Daniel Slaney who will be making the jump into the pro game tomorrow night in Sheffield. The 26 year old from Doncaster had a good amateur career and sees no reason why he cant continue his success as a professional boxer.
What made you want to start boxing?
Well my first ever memory of Boxing was hitting my Dads hands in the living room as a kid and it just seemed right for me, although I suppose it helped that my Dad used to box. I joined my first gym at the age of 8 under Terry Southern where I had my first contest at 11 years of age. I guess I just did it because I loved it!
Did you have a boxing idol when you were younger?
Yes, I grew up watching Benn and Eubank because my Dad (Steve Slaney) was a Boxer and a Coach himself, so I quickly followed his like for the middleweights and grew up on stories and tapes of Duran, Leonard, Hagler and Hearns. For me though, my idol has always been the great Rocky Marciano. Nobody ever fought with as much courage, heart and dedication as the Brockton Blockbuster.
Did you do much amateur boxing?
Yeah, I enjoyed my amateur days, they were a very steep learning curve for me as a junior, I never really found my feet until I was around 16 or 17. But as a senior I managed to win two back-to-back British University titles as a Heavyweight and also made the Quarter-Finals of the Senior ABA's where I got a hard decision against an experienced Mick O'Connell. I was looking forward to a Semi-Final with Tony Bellew that year. Aside from the championships i was lucky enough to be selected by National Coach Mick Gannon and sign my international papers although i never got the opportunity to put on a National Vest.
How do you know the time is right to turn pro?
I think in a way you just know, it's very difficult to break into the national team and at that time i was juggling a career as a Teacher alongside my boxing. It's difficult to maintain that level of intensity for your training when you're going through a degree, then a PGCE (teacher training qualification) and then a full-time job as a teacher. I decided that Boxing was and always will be my life and that it was my time to turn over. I'm glad I’ve made this decision.
Do you see a difference in the pro and amateur codes?
Very much so, especially in terms of pace and power. I've been working hard alongside Glyn Rhodes, my father and Robert Riley who has all helped me to slowly change shape and to sit down more on my punches and not waste - as you would associate with the Am's. On a positive note though i don't want to forget the Amateur stuff. There's a lot to be learnt from the amateurs and it would be very naive to just go ahead and forget it all.
Do you work full-time alongside boxing?
Professionally, I have two jobs, my main "job" is as a Professional Boxer, but i am also an A-Level Teacher of Psychology at Brinsworth Comprehensive in Rotherham. I was working full-time until September, but thankfully the head of the school allowed me to step down to part-time work in order to meet the training requirements as a Pro; I've a lot to thank him for that.
What sort of fighting style do you have?
I have always been an outside fighter in the past, but i've never been afraid of the trenches so if needs must this is Boxing. I’ll do whatever it takes to win. I'd class myself as a rangy boxer above all else, but I’m sure my style will continue to adapt as my career hopefully progresses and i understand the importance of being able to adapt. They say styles make fights but the very best can adapt so that's something I intend to work on.
What ambitions/expectations do you have for your pro career?
Well I've not come here to make the numbers up, this is not just a childhood dream - this is now my reality and if i'm honest about this then I have every intention of making it to the top but one step at a time. There have been a lot of local fighters that have been and are currently at the top of their games and it'd be a privilege to be regarded in the same light. My ambition is to be the best at 175lb or 12st 7lb. I understand the difficulty of it, but if as a debutant if you don't have desire then what do you have?
Daniel Slaney is in action against fellow debutant Stuart Maddox at the Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield on Saturday 29th October. For tickets call 07712 481321.
