Promising pro boxer hooks up with Rotherham's Dave Coldwell to further career

NEW TEAM: Dan Toward with trainer Dave Coldwell

Dan Toward has moved down to Coldwell’s Rotherham stable from Tyneside because he says it is the best way for him to become “the champion professional I can be”.

The 22-year-old from Gateshead won 74 of his 82 amateur fights and has a third pro bout coming up on March 1, with five planned for 2024.

He said: “I took up boxing aged eight and spent 14 years at Birtley Boxing Club under Graeme Rutherford. He made me the boxer I’ve become. I won multiple titles including twice being a gold medallist in the GB Three Nations competition. I boxed for England at the European Youth Games and as a member of Team GB.

‘However, I felt I needed to be able to dedicate myself to boxing 110 per cent and to leave potential distractions in the north-east.”

Toward won his pro debut with a second-round stoppage and went six rounds in his second match.

He added: "Dave Coldwell is a proven trainer with a great track record of training top level fighters, including world champions. He is the man to help me achieve my aim to be a world champion. I look forward to what the future holds.”

Toward has signed with Wasserman Boxing and his forthcoming bout will be broadcast on Channel 5.

Coldwell said: “I'm delighted to welcome Dan. He has the makings of a champion. He’s a boxer with strong potential and boundless ambition who is totally dedicated to the sport.”