DEMPSEY Wale wants to bring home some of the belts he saw his brother lift.
The 28-year-old Brampton fighter was largely in his teenage years when elder brother Josh was in his pomp.
He would have been just 11 when Josh won the Central Area title back in 2007.
Dempsey was a university student when Josh won the English and British crowns almost a decade on.
It has certainly fuelled a fire in him.
Dempsey said: “I have always been around the gym and remember Josh’s big nights.
“It is a shame I only got to train through two proper camps with him but I picked a lot up.
“2026 is going to be a big year for me.
“My first baby is due on February 26 and I will be fighting on March 8.
“It won’t be a title fight but it will be at least eight rounds.
“Becoming a dad is an extra motivation.
“I want the proper fights now and against fellow prospects. I am at that stage now.
“I think I would thrive in the lion’s den.”
Wale recorded a 13th straight victory as a professional last Saturday night at the Metrodome.
He saw off wily Mexican Erick Omar Lopez with a 60-54 decision.
“It was good, positive, and I got plenty out of it,” added Dempsey.
“I got to switch southpaw a few times too and tried that out.
“I am super fit and I wasn’t even breathing (heavily) after.
“I train for six-rounders like they’re 12-rounders.
“It’s a stacked division at super lightweight.
“But with a couple more fights I want to get right into the mix.”
Wombwell’s Jake Jon Cleary was also victorious at the Metrodome.
He got his professional career off to a positive start with a 39-38 verdict against Rochdale’s ‘Dangerman’ Richard Helm.
Cleary said: “Overall I was happy with the performance.
“There were things I could have done better.
“I could have closed the ring off a bit more but he only really caught me decently two or three times.
“I boxed unlicenced and amateur and now pro.
“So I’ve had to adapt to three different styles in quick succession.
“I tried to soak up the atmosphere and the occasion but not be overwhelmed by it. The reception when I got in the ring was amazing.
“I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Super-welter Cleary will also return to action on the same bill as Dempsey in the new year.
He added: “Having another date so soon is music to my ears because I work better to goals and dates.
“There were probably around 100 there supporting me and hopefully next time it will be 120, then 140 et cetera.”
The next show could also feature the long-awaited debuts of Jaymyleigh Pettinger, from Brampton, and Swinton’s David Wong.
