By John Evans

Scott Cardle has thrown himself into the world of professional boxing and the former Commonwealth amateur champion couldn’t be happier with life. The 23-year-old lightweight has appeared seven times in seven months since turning over with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable and, with two more outings scheduled before Christmas, his progress has been as rapid as it has been impressive.

 “Because I’m so busy, I’m learning a lot. Since I was a kid I’ve trained towards a professional style so I’ve always looked forward to making that transition” Cardle told Boxingscene recently. “Since I have, I’m enjoying it even more than I thought I would and I’m getting the exposure and fights that I want. That’s why I’m so happy with everything. Everything’s working very easy, there’s no hassle and that’s why I chose Eddie.”

 Cardle, 7-0 (2), and rangy light heavyweight hope Hosea Burton are helping disprove the view widely spouted on boxing forums that Gallagher’s Gym churns out carbon copy, walk forward warriors. Cardle holds his left hand low, looks to counter with quick, sharp combinations and moves quickly in and out of range. It might come as a surprise to some critics of head trainer Joe Gallagher that such an elusive fighter felt immediately at home there.

“I did a little bit of work with Joe before I turned pro” reveals Cardle. “I went to a few pro gyms just to suss them out and I sat back and watched Joe at work and saw the effort he puts into his boys. I felt comfortable and warm in the gym and felt that it was a good place to be. I’ve heard the rumours myself. I’ve heard that all Gallaghers Gym boys fight the same and that none of them move their head. I’d say at the moment that I’m the most mobile with my head movement. My head movement’s my defence!

“People do talk, and especially about our gym. There’s a lot of criticism about Joe Gallagher anyway and I think that has a lot to do with him being very opinionated and saying what he feels. I think that’s a good thing. He’s a strict master and strict coach and at the moment he’s doing wonders for me.”

Many successful amateurs sign professional contracts and are answering questions about title fight timescales before they have progressed beyond four round level. Every punch is thrown in front of the television cameras and every mistake highlighted in high definition. As you would expect, Cardle has been a fixture on the undercard at all of the major Matchroom events since turning over but he has also cropped up on smaller untelevised shows promoted by Dave Coldwell and Steve Wood’s VIP promotions. ‘Scotty’ is so desperate to learn the ropes properly that he spent the same amount of time and effort researching promoters as he did trainers. The promise of activity, not rushed title opportunities, was the quality he sought most when deciding who to employ.

“That was the first thing I said to every promoter. I wanted to be as regular and busy as possible. That’s what Eddie [Hearn] promised and he’s living up to it so far and I’m happy with the busy schedule” he says. “I thought I might have to nag him now and again but I haven’t nagged him yet. He’s the one providing the dates for me. I haven’t asked him when I’m next out, he’s kept me busy.

“The Coldwell show was the Tony Bellew and Danny McIntosh bill. It was one of my first three fights and I had that down before I signed any contracts. The VIP bill was in Blackpool and he just wanted me to build my profile back home. I think every fight’s working out well and I’m learning in every fight so I’m made up with it.”

Initially, Cardle greeted the opening bell with the same hundred miles an hour urgency that he has set about attacking the professional game with. Having witnessed five of Cardle fights first hand, it has been interesting to see him steadily slow down and reign in the desire to impress with every single attack.

 “That’s something I’ve learned from making the transition to a pro. In my first couple of fights I was very eager. I thought ‘I’m a pro now so I’ve gotta start knocking them out’ but that doesn’t really mean anything” admits Cardle. “It’s all about getting the rounds in and that’s what I’ve done. I’ve started to relax more and not throw as many punches in bunches. I’m getting more accurate with the shots and more composed with it. Joe’s taught me that I don’t have to be so eager.”

Cardle’s next fight offers him the perfect opportunity to gauge his progress. Joe Elfidh seems to be singlehandedly keeping the lightweight division’s leading lights sharp at the moment. In recent months Elfidh has faced Scott Harrison and Keiran Farrell and earlier this month was confirmed as Derry Mathew’s opponent for his December return. He generally comes up short at the highest level but always provides a solid test.

“My next opponent [Elfidh] is very wild puncher and he’s unpredictable so it will be a bit of a danger for me. He fights Derry Mathews three weeks later so he’s obviously gonna be in good shape so I’m expecting the best. This is my step up. I’m going in for eight rounds now and I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be able to compare my performance [to Harrison’s and Mathews’ against the same opponent] and see how far away I am.”

Cardle may not be ready for the division’s elite just yet but, at his current rate of improvement, it won’t be long until he is measuring his progress against his rivals themselves rather than common opponents.

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