Birmingham's journey continues with win

The former Pompey defender admitted he could scarcely believe it after he chalked up a second win in the paid ranks in London on Saturday.

Birmingham grabbed a 40-36 points success over journeyman Kristian Laight at the York Hall in Bethnal Green.

The lightweight gave away six pounds in weight to Laight in their match-up.

Birmingham also had to contend with all the wily tricks used by an opponent with vast experience.

But the 35-year-old dealt with those and impressed with his eye-catching and hurtful body shots.

The 2-0 man admitted he’s been left pinching himself how he’s adapted to the demands of boxing just 18 month after getting involved in the sport.

That was after he took part in a charity white collar event for the Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation.

Now he is looking forward to staying busy and extending his unbeaten record in Portsmouth on July 9.

Birmingham said: ‘It was a good fight and a good learning curve for me.

‘He had a lot of experience and knew every trick in the book.

‘He was holding and leaning on me and pulling my arm on the blind side of the ref.

‘On top of that he was switching from southpaw to orthodox and making it hard for me.

‘So I was pleased to win every round, especially with it being so hot at the York Hall.

‘Getting to fight there was unreal. That is what it’s all about.

‘Eighteen months ago I was white-collar boxing and now I’m doing it professionally at York Hall! It’s surreal.

‘If you’d told people that would happen no-one would believe it.

‘I was pleased with my body shots. I ripped one in and he gave a wink, so I knew it hurt.

‘His body looked pretty red after so I got him a good few times! He deserves respect.

‘Now I’m having a family break and then getting back into the gym.

‘I’m sure we can sell a lot of tickets and take the roof off the venue on July 9.’

Birmingham’s trainer, Michael Ballingall, was delighted with his fighter’s performance and the strides he’s making.

He felt that was seen in his performance against Laight.

Ballingall said: ‘His punches were clean and crisp.

‘Kristian Laight made it difficult for him and couldn’t believe he’d been boxing only 18 months.

‘It’s his second fight and it’s all about development.

‘Dave’s improving all the time and we’re seeing a lot of progression.’