Danny Neve has his eyes firmly set on a title shot if he can successfully get passed Max Johnstone this Saturday at Badmofo 5 in Barnsley, England.
When announcing the fight booking, the promotion teased that this amateur middleweight contest could be a No.1 contender fight, and the rightful winner will more than likely fight for the gold strap in their next outing.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Danny Neve prior to his first outing in over a year. Hear what he had to say below.
Interview With Danny Neve
A few days out from fight day, Danny, talk to me about the nerves and emotions you feel in the lead-up to making the walk.
The nerves don’t really come to me till I’m in the changing room at the fight, im quite a chilled-out person, so I try not to think about it till it’s time to get in there.
We haven’t seen you in over a year, and before that, we hadn’t seen you since 2019. Has there been any reasoning behind the lack of activity as of late, and does that frustrate you in any way, given your performances have been excellent when you’ve stepped in there?
Yeah, unfortunately, due to the lockdown, it was an inactive couple of years as it was for everyone, but I kept up my training and tried to get in there as soon as I could after the shows started running again but yes, I’d of liked to of been more active which was quite frustrating.
Danny Neve Talks Year Away From Fighting
That said, the year may have allowed you to consistently be working in the gym, picking up new techniques and attacks to utilise at Badmofo 5 this Saturday. Where do you feel you’ve made the biggest improvements since the last time we saw you, and what can your supporters expect come fight night?
Yeah, the time I haven’t been able to compete, I’ve still been constantly training and improving my skillset, so im excited to show what I’ve been working on.
Touching on the last time we saw you against Danny Newman on Almighty FC if you can rewind back, it was a quick night at the office. How did you feel about your overall performance, given the time off prior to that? Also, is there any part of you that wanted to endure a longer bout to display the new skills you had attained in your time away?
The last fight was a bit of a bad training camp. I watched Danny’s previous fights and knew he was a dangerous striker and Id been working on my striking a lot since my previous fights but got an injury about three weeks out and wasn’t really able to grapple or train for the weeks leading up to it was just running and shadow boxing so it was a relief to get the finish early but I’d of liked to showcase what I’ve got a bit more.
Saturday night in the Barnsley Metrodome, you meet Max Johnstone, who’s had a solid start to his amateur career. Have you had the opportunity to watch some tape back on his previous fights? If so, what are your thoughts, and do you feel it’s a favourable matchup for you to return to?
I’m excited for Saturday, and I’ve watched his one fight on the previous BMF card, and he made light work of his opponent, so there wasn’t really much to look at from that perspective, but I know he comes from a solid gym, and I’m expecting an even test.
Keeping his 100% Finish Rate Intact
If you look on paper, you have a 100% finish rate in your victories, and Max has yet to be handed a defeat. Why should those attending remain seated when you both lock horns?
Yeah, when I go in there, I’m always looking to finish the fight. It’s just the sort of fighter I am, but as long as I get the win, I’m not fussed about how it goes.
Badmofo MMA have teased that the winner of the fight could be the next challenger for the amateur middleweight title. Assuming you leave victorious on Saturday, is that the next fight for you?
Yeah, it would be a great opportunity to fight for the title, and I’m sure it gives both of us that extra motivation going into it.
What expectations have you set yourself for Saturday night in Barnsley?
I’m just looking to get the win. As I say, I feel comfortable wherever it goes, whether it’s in the grappling or the stand-up.
Featured image credits to Danny Neve
