\n<\/p>\n
Padley was not signed to a major promotion when he accepted the Stevenson fight, but his dedication to the sport meant he was ready when the call eventually came <\/p>\n
“You have to stay ready and around that weight category in case opportunities like that do come,” he said.<\/p>\n
“If I’d have ballooned up in weight and I’d not been in the gym just ticking over, then I wouldn’t have been able to take the fight and I wouldn’t be in this position today.”<\/p>\n
After fighting the majority of his career at lightweight, Padley is set to embark on a new journey at super-featherweight when taking on Bellotti in Sheffield, 20 miles from his home of Doncaster. <\/p>\n
“Now I’m able to be a full-time athlete, so I’m able to make more sacrifices regarding weight and discipline with my meals,” Padley added.<\/p>\n
“It’s given me the opportunity to move down and have a good first fight against someone like Reece, who’s been tried and tested.<\/p>\n
Bellotti, 34, has 20 wins and six losses on his record, but has been in the ring with top contenders Ryan Garner, Raymond Ford and Jordan Gill.<\/p>\n
Padley knows the route back to world title contention is a long one, but he intends to continue backing himself.<\/p>\n
“Any boxer starting out should have high aspirations because that’s the pinnacle of the sport,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I would love to get back on to those big Riyadh season cards – I’ve had a taste and that’s where I want to be. <\/p>\n
“Keep pushing on and aim as high as I can.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n