Josh Padley: Doncaster boxer was able to quit day job after Shakur Stevenson loss

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

“You have to stay ready and around that weight category in case opportunities like that do come,” he said.

“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.”

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.

“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.

“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.

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.

Padley knows the route back to world title contention is a long one, but he intends to continue backing himself.

“Any boxer starting out should have high aspirations because that’s the pinnacle of the sport,” he said.

“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.

“Keep pushing on and aim as high as I can.”