Wale Out to Master the Title Class

By Andrew Wake:

Barnsley’s Josh Wale is determined to ensure that the British bantamweight title stays in South Yorkshire, even if it means he has to wait a few more months than originally planned.

The 23-year-old has now accepted that a fight with current champion Jamie McDonnell may not happen but is intent to be first in line when the Doncaster man finally gives the belt up.

Indeed, it was mooted that Wale would meet former holder Stuart Hall this month for the prestigious bauble if McDonnell agreed to step aside. Now, however, it is looking likely that the pair will meet in an eliminator at some point in the New Year.

“I could say I want to box Jamie McDonnell every day of the week but I don’t think it’s ever going to happen unless something dramatic happens in the next year or so,” Wale said.

“He’s wanting to go for a world title and good luck to him. I’m just concentrating on what I need to do and that’s winning a British title. I want to be the best in Britain and if I didn’t then I might as well quit and go and play football or something instead.

“I’m in boxing to box and I want to see how far I can go and if that means boxing someone like Stuart Hall then great.”

Despite some form of British title action being on the horizon, Wale feels he should have had a shot before now because of the men he’s shared the ring with already in his five career pro career.

“I think I’ve been in and around the British title picture for about three years. I’ve fought Marsh, Pickering, Casey and Lyon so I’ve been in with some good kids and I think I should have been in for a British title before now,” he stated.

“I’ve always been willing to box anybody. It doesn’t make no odds to me. If my dad said I’m boxing whoever, it’s job on.

“All I want is a British title so I can take it to my mum and dad and say ‘here, this is for all the years you’ve put into me’.

“It’s the best belt in the world and if I won one of those I’d be a happy man. Even if I feel out into the road the day after and a bus hit me then I’d die happy because I’d achieved what I set out to.”

At the Metrodome in his home town this Sunday, Wale does get the opportunity to win a title when he takes on Bristol-based South Africa Michael Ramabeletsa for the vacant International Masters strap.

While it’s a million miles away from the glittering beauty of the Lord Lonsdale belt, Wale insists the light blue strap will take pride of place in his collection.

“I know what the title is but it means the world to me,” he enthused.

“I’m not under any illusions, I’m not one of these that thinks winning a Masters title means I should get an open top bus around Barnsley but I still be celebrating.

“I won the Central Area title when I was 19 after only four fights and I still look it every day and feel proud. Someone would have to chop my arms off to take that off me.

“This title on Sunday will mean that I’ve won belts at two weights and I can push on to the big titles.”