Nathan Heaney and Brad Pauls Clash for British Title Glory

Nathan Heaney (18-0, 6 KOs) defends his British middleweight title for the first time when he faces Brad Pauls (18-1, 10 KOs) this Saturday.

The fight headlines a Queensberry Promotions card at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England. TNT Sports will broadcast the March 16 event for those in the UK. Viewers in the United States can catch the action on ESPN+. Both men spoke at a press conference on Thursday. Below is what they had to say.

Nathan Heaney and Brad Pauls Meet for British Glory

Nathan Heaney

“It’s strange,” said reigning titlist Heaney. “I have to remind myself that I’m the British champion…I’m always striving to be better anyway. The fact of the matter is when we step in that ring on Saturday night that belt gets taken from me anyway and whatever the result is, is whether I get it back or I lose it.”

Read More: Joe Joyce Lined up to Face Surprising Opponent in Comeback Fight

“The events are always fantastic when the Stokies are there. It’s a massive event, make no mistake. We’re headlining on a massive card that’s going to be packed out in there. The atmosphere is going to be incredible…”

Brad Pauls

“Strong mindset, biggest fight of my career,” said Pauls, a former English middleweight champion. “I love the traditional route in boxing…it’s probably the most difficult route and it’s [winning the British title] the final box to tick. The hardest box to tick, which is why the British is so credible and why I like it so much.”

Read More: Five Underrated Middleweight Boxers to Look Out for in 2024

“There’s just not many Cornish boxers. I’m a bit of a rare breed. They’re all surfing and playing rugby, and I picked boxing. Here I am fighting for a British title 21 years later. There hasn’t been a British champ from Cornwall since Bob Fitzsimmons, which was 120 years ago and it’ll be massive history for Cornwall on Saturday night. I’m looking forward to it.”

Fight Prediction

Pauls is highly motivated and has the higher knockout percentage. However, Heaney will have a lot more support from the audience and has also fought at a higher level. This feels like one of those fights that is meant to further cement Heaney’s status on the British scene before he goes for world honours. Expect the reigning British middleweight champion to walk away with a unanimous decision win against Pauls.

Full press conference

For more from the press conference featuring Heaney, Pauls and other fighters on this card, click here or the video below. Video courtesy of Queensberry Promotions.