UNBEATEN prospect Dempsey Wale wants to start making up for lost time after picking up a freak injury.
The Brampton lightweight, 27, had the second stall in his career after he injured his shoulder from a rogue punch in sparring.
Wale, younger brother of former British champion Josh, also had to sit out for two years due to the Covid pandemic calling off practically all boxing.
The injury has ensured an 11-month lay-off since he got win number ten as a pro over India’s Gurjant Singh at the Metrodome. He will be back there tonight over four rounds against a yet confirmed opponent.
Wale said: “It’s been a hellish time for me. I haven’t even been able to jog. I’ve been in the gym watching everyone else train. I wasn’t torturing myself but it wasn’t nice.
“I was sparring with a light-heavyweight and he’s thrown a peach of a right hook which caught me on the shoulder. I thought it was just a knock but I tried to train the day after and it wasn’t right. It’s kept me out all this time.
“I’ve trained intensely trying to get back to where I was before. I know it’s a cringey line but I think setbacks pave the way for comebacks. I am still young and as fresh as a daisy.”
The injury ruled Wale out of a scheduled show last November which had to be pulled.
“I was on the edge of a title shot at that point and it’s going to take me a few more fights to get back there. Frustrating is not even a big enough word.
“I just need a few good wins now and to get back to where I was. The last ten months have been bad but the last month has been brilliant because I had a date and a plan. I have been training three or four times a day, running five miles after sparring. Everyone has commended me on the work I have put in to get back in this position. I’ve trained so hard.”
His next fight is already pencilled in for August 31 at the same venue which means he has had to decline a spot offered to him on the huge Oakwell bill of August 3 where Barnsley’s Callum Simpson will challenge Zak Chelli for the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles.
Wale added: “It’s a shame but I have to stay true to my team. Potentially boxing on TV would have been great but if I keep winning then I’m going to end up on TV anyway.
“We have got a plan that we are sticking to and won’t deviate from. By the end of the year I want to be in that title fight.”
Tonight’s bill features six contents and prospects from around Yorkshire in the home corner including Doncaster trio Paul Clewes, Connan Murray and Joe Hayden, Bradford’s Mohammed Subhaan and novice Rotherham pro Harry Johnson.
