Watson inspired by Hamed's messages

NASEEM HAMED has inspired talented Guernsey youngster Bradley Watson to pursue his dream of becoming a professional boxer. At 14 years old, Watson has already impressed local followers of the sport with his tenacious style that has seen him win all bar one of his seven contests, earning three bout-of-the-night awards along the way.

Those awards sit proudly alongside memorabilia signed and dedicated to him by his idol, but Hamed has gone even further than that to encourage the youngster.

'If Naz is in the country, he gives Bradley a ring before his bouts to wish him all the best. If not, one of his brothers will call him,' said John Watson, Bradley's father.

And the teenager, who has been boxing for over three years, has been very appreciative of those telephone calls.

The connection was built up after John Watson telephoned the official fan club with an inquiry and spoke to Hamed's sister.

It has grown from there and Bradley has been sent autographed gloves, pictures and a very impressive limited-edition framed print.

The family also received complimentary tickets to Hamed's fight against Manuel Calvo.

John believes that such gestures have inspired his son in his quest to follow in Hamed's footsteps.

'It is every amateur boxer's dream to become a professional but you have got to be dedicated.

'Getting stuff like this gives them the edge to go on,' he said.

His son's next goal is the ABA schoolboy championships, providing he can get up to the 30kg minimum. And with the dinner boxing season fast approaching, Watson is hoping to get as many bouts as possible to put into practice the work he has done with coaches Graham Guilbert, Steve Pertell and Steve Martin.

'I do get nervous, but as soon as the bell rings, I just do what I train for,' he said.