Padley's Back: The Electrician-Turned-Boxer Takes On Undefeated Serbian This Saturday

By Lewis Barnett 18 April, 2025 6 mins read 66 Views

God. Remember when Josh Padley stepped into the ring against Shakur Stevenson on THREE DAYS notice? I still can't believe he had the balls to do that. The guy was literally wiring houses one week and trading punches with a world champion the next.

Well, he's back.

This Saturday night, our favorite former electrician returns to the ring at Sheffield's Park Community Arena, taking on undefeated Serbian Marko Cvetanovic. It's Padley's first fight since that respectable (though losing) performance against Stevenson back in February - and his first under the Matchroom Boxing banner after signing what I'm told is a pretty sweet multi-fight deal.

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From Wiring Houses to Fighting Champions

I met Padley at a local gym back in 2021, and even then you could tell there was something different about him. "Just waiting for my shot," he told me while wrapping his hands. Little did he know his "shot" would come in the form of a last-minute call to face one of boxing's pound-for-pound best.

Since that Stevenson fight, Padley has officially hung up his electrician tools. No more emergency callouts at 2am when someone's fuse box explodes! My buddy who works construction with Padley's old crew texted me: "His response when asked if he'd ever come back to electrical work: 'only if Tyson Fury asks me to wire his house.'"

Who the hell is Marko Cvetanovic anyway?

Fair question. The 29-year-old Serbian is 13-0 and has been making some noise in the lightweight division. But let's be honest - he's never fought outside Serbia before. This is like going from playing in your local pub league to suddenly appearing at Wembley. Huge step up.

I watched some footage of him last night (while procrastinating on my actual work... don't tell my editor). He's got decent fundamentals, throws a nice straight right, but hasn't faced anyone remotely close to Padley's caliber. This is either going to be his coming-out party or a brutal reality check.

Saturday Night Fights - The Practical Stuff

If you're planning to watch (and why wouldn't you?), here's what you need to know:

The fight goes down this Saturday, April 19th. DAZN has the broadcast rights in teh UK, so you'll need a subscription - or you can grab a one-month pass for £19.99. Worth it for the whole card, honestly.

Expect Padley and Cvetanovic to make their ring walks around 7:45pm BST. I've got a dinner reservation at 9:30, so I'm praying there are no delays. Last time I tried this "dinner after boxing" plan, the main event went 12 rounds adn I ended up eating cold pizza at midnight.

The Rest of the Card (It's Actually Pretty Decent)

While Padley-Cvetanovic is what I'm tuning in for, the main event features Dalton Smith taking on Mathieu Germain for the WBC Silver super-lightweight strap. Smith's been on a tear lately, and this could be his ticket to a proper world title shot if he looks impressive.

The rest of the lineup includes:

- Ryan Kelly vs Caoimhin Agyarko (still can't pronounce that second name correctly)
- Josh Warrington vs Asad Asif Khan
- Giorgio Visioli vs Kane Barker
- Joe Howarth vs Mario Portillo
- Emmanuel Buttigieg vs Grant Dennis

Warrington's fight particularly interests me. Spent $40 on tickets to see him back in 2018 and it was one of the best atmospheres I've experienced at a boxing event. The Leeds faithful show up for their man like nobody else.

The Electrician's Spark

What makes Padley so interesting to watch isn't just his backstory. The guy fights like someone who's been trapped in a crawlspace with live wires all day and finally gets to release that tension. There's an authenticity to him that's rare in boxing these days.

I remember talking to his former boss after the Stevenson fight. "Not surprised at all," he told me. "Josh would show up to work sites after training at 5am, eyes half-closed but never complained once."

That kind of grit doesn't disappear overnight. Cvetanovic might be undefeated, but he's never faced someone who's comfortable being uncomfortable.

Saturday can't come soon enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for when choosing a boxing trainer?

When seeking a boxing coach or trainer, one should look for experience, a successful track record with other boxers, compatibility in coaching style, and a deep understanding of the sport's technical and strategic aspects. A good trainer will also emphasize safety, conditioning, and personal growth. In order to reach your potential in boxing, it's important to have a trainer who motivates and communicates effectively.

How long does it typically take to become a professional boxer?

The time needed to become a professional fighter can vary greatly. It depends on the individual's starting skill level, adaptability to the sport, and the quality of training received. It can take a number of years to develop the necessary skills and gain enough amateur experience. However, some exceptional talents might advance more quickly, while others may need more time to develop.

What are the risks of professional boxing?

Like any contact sport, professional boxing is not without its risks. There are acute injuries, including cuts, bruises and broken bones. Also, there may be chronic conditions, like concussions syndromes or neurological disorders, that can develop from repeated impacts. While proper training, safety equipment and compliance with boxing regulations can reduce the risks, they will never be eliminated. Understanding and accepting these risks is a critical part of choosing to box professionally.

What equipment do you need to get started in professional Boxing?

Essential equipment for anyone who wants to start in professional boxing includes boxing glove, hand wraps and mouthguard (for sparring). Also included are proper footwear. For technical training, a heavy bag, a speed bag, a double-end bag and other aids are essential. It's crucial to use quality equipment that offers protection and durability, as subpar gear can increase the risk of injury.

What type of diet is best for a beginner boxer?

A beginner boxer should eat a nutritiously balanced diet to fuel intense workouts and encourage recovery. It is usually recommended to consume carbohydrates for energy as well as lean proteins that promote muscle growth and repair. Healthy fats should also be consumed for good health. Vitamins and minerals are also essential. Consulting a sports dietician can help you create a tailored diet that fits your boxer's goals and training routine.

Is it possible to learn boxing professionally for anyone?

Even though boxing may be accessible to all, not everyone is cut out to compete professionally. Professional boxing is an art that requires a combination of talent with physical ability and mental toughness. Prospective boxers should also be willing accept the inherent risk of the sport. A thorough screening by a boxing trainer can determine whether someone has the potential to pursue a career in professional boxing.

How important are mental toughness and professional boxing in the world of sport?

Mental toughness in professional boxing is as crucial as physical conditioning. It requires resilience, focus, a high level of pressure tolerance, and a strong psychological attitude to overcome obstacles. Mental preparation is a combination of stress management, visualization and a strong mentality to meet the challenges that are faced in the ring. Without mental toughness a boxer will struggle to perform under the high pressure conditions of professional competition.

Statistics

A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.
Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.
Around 60% of professional boxers supplement their income with other activities or jobs, due to variability in fight earnings.

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How To

How to start training for Professional Boxing

Beginning your journey into professional boxing requires dedication and a strategic approach. Start your journey by searching for a boxing studio with trained trainers who are experienced in training professional fighters. Build a solid foundation by learning the basics, such as footwork and punching techniques. Exercises such as cardio, weight training and flexibility are important for early conditioning. Also, immerse your self in the sport and learn from the professionals by watching professional fights. Be diligent and consistent about practicing and maintaining your training regime.