Lately, the British middleweight title holds a certain allure.
In recent years, the British middleweight title has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming not only a highly desired prize but also an aesthetically pleasing one. Its newfound allure has motivated fighters to push their limits and tap into extraordinary levels of strength. The stakes have been high, resulting in intense competitions, unexpected upsets, and breathtaking conclusions. Beyond the physicality of the fights, there has been an overwhelming surge of emotions both during and after the bouts. In essence, the British middleweight title has played a significant role in reinstating the purity of boxing as a sport rather than a mere business venture. It has served as a much-needed reminder that there is still purpose and meaning to be found in this sport.
When asked about the meaning of the belt, Brad Pauls, the current owner, confidently asserts that it represents “the world” to him. This is because he had to face off against Nathan Heaney, the previous owner, not once but twice in order to claim the British middleweight title. Pauls had to endure a grueling battle both physically and emotionally, pushing himself to the limit to ultimately overcome Heaney in Birmingham on July 20. Determined to avoid leaving the decision in the hands of the judges after their previous draw in March, Pauls found motivation and strength in the final round, ultimately stopping Heaney with a mere two minutes remaining on the clock.
For both Pauls and the spectators, it was just as intense as it sounds. Heaney had already been knocked down in round four but had impressively fought his way back into the match. However, in the final round, Pauls was determined to ensure victory and relentlessly attacked Heaney. With confidence in securing the win, Pauls cornered Heaney and repeatedly struck him with powerful right hands. Heaney, unable to defend himself, fell to the ground like a helpless animal. Referee Michael Alexander began counting Heaney out, and when he remained on one knee, Pauls knew he had achieved his goal.
And so it was. Despite Heaney’s strong desire to stand up and make one final attempt to reverse the situation, he realized in that very moment that the British title had become an asset too formidable to manage; a possession as cherished by other men as it had once been by him. Reluctantly, he understood that the time had come to relinquish it and allow someone else the opportunity to grasp it for a while.
As these thoughts raced through Heaney’s mind, Pauls prepared himself for a celebration. As soon as Michael Alexander crossed his arms and the noise grew louder within the Resorts World Arena, Pauls wasted no time and joined in the jubilation. After spending a considerable amount of time in the ring with just a referee and an opponent, Pauls found himself unexpectedly overwhelmed by the embraces and excitement of his loved ones, who surrounded him from all sides.
Brad Pauls drops Nathan Heaney
It is interesting to note that Linus Udofia, who played a crucial role in sparking a series of intense and captivating British middleweight title fights in 2022, was among the men in the ring congratulating Pauls. Despite not yet winning the specific belt himself, Udofia’s battle with Denzel Bentley served as a catalyst for this recent string of gripping matchups. Ultimately, Bentley, the man who narrowly defeated Udofia that night, went on to both defend and lose the title in a thrilling contest against the underdog Heaney. This paved the way for an exciting showdown between Heaney and Pauls in March, which culminated in Pauls securing a last-minute stoppage victory – a crowning achievement for all his hard work and dedication in the boxing world.
“After the fight, he expressed to TNT Sports, ‘This is a historic moment, my friend. Since 1939, I am proud to be the first Cornishman to claim this belt. It’s quite astonishing that this little piece of glory will find its way to Newquay, a charming surfer town. It may sound unbelievable, but I have dedicated 21 years of relentless effort to achieve this feat, and in that fight, I left it all out there. Behold the new British middleweight champion.'”
Considering the recent fast turnover, it is natural to question how long Brad Pauls, with a record of 19-1-1 (11), can retain this highly significant belt that holds great value for him. Additionally, there is curiosity about whether Heaney, whose style and personality harmonize seamlessly with Pauls’, will be given another opportunity to compete for the belt, potentially transforming their rivalry into a trilogy later this year.
Heaney, at 35 years old, is aware that he has limited time left to compete. On the contrary, Pauls, who is four years younger, believes he is better prepared to defend the belt and potentially achieve three successful defenses. His ultimate goal is likely to win the belt outright. Winning the prestigious British title is highly valued by most British boxers, as it is not only aesthetically pleasing but also carries a unique demand on the champion compared to other belts. It must be earned, and last night Brad Pauls proved he deserved it.
