Denton Vassell can get bent

Denton Vassell believes the secret to becoming one of the world’s best welterweights is yoga. Manchester’s Commonwealth champion is stretched and bent daily by mum, Janet DaSilva who teaches the traditional exercise.

He will even been doing yoga routine hours before Saturday’s (March 26) title defence against Namibian Bethuel Ushona at Wigan’s Robin Park Arena.

Vassell, 26, insists: “Yoga should be part of your lifestyle.

“I have had 16 fights won them all, work in a bank and whenever I need to relax I turn to yoga. It makes me a better person.

“People I am all power, speed and fitness but the yoga has made me elusive. She sits me down every day and we do stretching and breathing exercises.

“I can do stretches that most people can’t do because of the yoga mum does with me.

“Every day she stretches me out. It is so peaceful and stress relieving.”

Ushona, 29, is undefeated in 23 fights, and holds a win over countryman Ali Nuumbembe who was formerly based in Manchester. The confident challenger said: “I haven’t even bothered looking at Vassell. I will work him out inside a round.

“I am one of the best welterweights in the world so what he can do doesn’t concern me.”

Vassell who has 16 professional fights won the Commonwealth crown in a thriller against Purdy last April.

In the chief supporting bout unbeaten hopefuls Matty Askin and Neil Dawson slug it out for the vacant Central Area cruiserweight title. Other action packed clashes feature Tom Doran, Adam Little, Rhys Roberts, Jez Wilson, Jazza Dickinson and Tom Shaw.

Image courtesy Mark Robinson