For the previous 5 years, Embassy Site Services has sponsored undefeated Super Lightweight Boxer, Denis Denikaev.
Our Higher Sites Reporter, Billy, took the trip to Barking Boxing Club last month to watch Denis train and ask him some questions about his journey so far, Embassy’s sponsorship and his previous contests, on the runup to the biggest victory of his career so far, The English Super Lightweight Title.
We also spoke with his coach, Dave Sadler, who was full of praise for the promising young boxer!
Here’s what they had to say!
What was your journey to the UK like?
Denis: “I came here 6 years ago from Lithuania. I was already boxing at the time but in order to elevate my level my friend said let’s move over to London. On the same day, I bought the tickets and flew over. At the gym, I met my coach, Dave, and ever since then we have been working together.”
How old were you when you realised that you wanted to turn pro?
Denis: “Once I started boxing, I just loved the sport. I said to my parents that I wanted to be a professional boxer, and they didn’t want me to do that. They preferred that I study or find a job.”
“Up until that point, a lot of people had been underrating me and I knew I had the passion so I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it”
When did you know you wanted to start coaching?
Dave: “I was always attracted to coaching, even when I was boxing myself, I was always studying different boxers from that period. Although I didn’t realise it at the time, coaching was always what I was more attracted to!”
What were your first impressions of Denis as a fighter?
Dave: “Straight away I was impressed with his work ethic. He always wanted to work and always wanted to learn. Even though he couldn’t speak the language at the time, we were demonstrating and he was picking it up. He was on it straight away.”
With Embassy’s sponsorship, what can you do that you wouldn’t be able to do without it?
Denis: “Basically everything! They are the only sponsors who have been there from the very beginning of my journey until now. Right from my first fight, Embassy has been supporting me with promotion and gathering support for my fights, as my family are not in London, I didn’t have anyone to sell the tickets to!”
“I will always be thankful to Embassy as without them I would not be here!”
What goes through a fighter’s mind when you’re building up to, at this point, the biggest fight of your career?
Denis: “So far, I’m just enjoying it. It’s the English title and I’ve got to celebrate the opportunity. I’m training and ready to go!”
“Even now my mom pushing me, she always says to look after my weight, and keep training. She and my Dad have been a massive part of my journey and they have helped me a lot. That’s why I’m trying to pay them back!
Denis went on to win via Unanimous Decision and is taking a well-deserved break before he begins training for his next challenge.
As a business, we know the importance of sponsorship to our community. Without corporate sponsorship, grassroots sports can struggle to make ends meet. This is why, here at Embassy, we are committed to supporting our local communities through sponsorship.
Many thanks to Denis and Dave for allowing us into the Braking Boxing gym to film and conduct this interview.