Undefeated super-welterweight prospect Declan Cairns reveals his title plans

Exclusive interview with Declan Cairns ahead of his fifth fight

140lbs prospect reveals title goals to GBN

Worksop’s Declan Cairns (4-0, 1KO) is preparing for his next professional fight on March 5th at the North Notts Arena in his hometown.

It’ll be the 24-year-old’s fifth fight at the East Midlands venue and third contest in six months, having secured wins in September and November last year.

Trained by Michael White and Daz Metcalf at the fighting Fit Gym, the southpaw will compete in a four-round super-welterweight bout with his opponent yet to be confirmed. Also appearing on the Boxing Connected event will be fellow unbeaten prospects, Cameron Kaihau (5-0); Liam Dring (4-0); Marcus Ellis (1-0); and debutant Jimmy Price.

The super-welterweight talent, signed to British promoter Joe Elfidh, has notched up four victories since his debut in June 2019, which ended via third-round knockout. He fought again the same year, but then came an unfortunate 22-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ahead of his next fight, Cairns spoke exclusively to GBN:

 

You didn't get to fight during the lockdown peroids but did you manage to train still?

“I stayed in gym, trained hard and kept on top of my boxing. Just worked more on the boxing side of things instead of having to be 100 per cent fit for fight dates, so we looked at the technical side more.

“I like to stay on it, I have a week off after fights, then I’m straight back in the gym, because you never know when that phone’s going to ring.”

 

What are your plans for this year?

“The plans are to get out as much as I can, three or four times this year, depending on how many shows there are.

“I wouldn’t mind boxing away from home at some point this year, I reckon summertime, maybe have a venture out and take a bus-full with me. Just for a change of scenery, I still want to be the home fighter, just somewhere away from Worksop.

“I’ve got goals set; I want some titles. These fights are all stepping stones to where I want to be. I had little amateur experience, so I am learning on the job but there’s no better place to learn is there?

“I plan to start at the Midlands title, then go up from there. I’ll come through it one at a time. I’m doing it the proper way!”

 

You have fought all the usual suspects so far, as expected during this early stage, so what has that experience taught you?

“They’re all different in their own ways. Learning to deal with those different styles in front of you can be tricky, and no fights the same ever.

“Joe [Elfidh] knows the pace I’m moving at and knows when to make those fights, so I’ll leave that down to him and I’ll be ready when it comes.”

 

The super-welterweight divison has always been talented and busy, what do you think of it?

“It’s a tough division. But these people at the top now, like Liam Smith, probably won’t be there when I get there. It’s always a busy division but everyone’s at different levels in their career. Me, I’m 24, so I’ve got 10 years yet at least, so just one fight at a time, keep working towards my goals and we’ll see where we get to.”

 

You come from the same little market town as your manager Joe Elfidh and also your friend and unbeaten super-middleweight Dylan Clegg, is that right?

“I’ve been best mates with Dylan for god knows how many years now. We buzz off each other, both grew up together, both been boxing from like 10 or 11 and been best pals ever since.

“We’re both at the same stage in our careers, so we bounce off each other and it’s buzzing in the gym. I watched Dylan box on his debut and I thought to myself ‘I want to have a go at this’, so took a chance and I’m here doing what I’m doing now.”

 

What kind of support do you have coming for your next fight?

“I’ve sold 120 tickets for this next show, that was my entire allocation I was allowed, so I could have done more. I had around 180 on my debut, so I’ve got great support and I’m looking forward to a busy night on March 5th. I can’t wait!”

 

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