Coldwell, now with Coldwell Boxing, was the Head of Boxing for Hayemaker Promotions, the promotional company of the former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye, during the Beijing 2008 Games.

He fondly recalls their focus on Beijing 2008 and how it encouraged them to recruit current English heavyweight champion David Price.

"I am [excited], yeah," Coldwell said.

"There's a lot of nerves about how much it's costing but I think once it kicks off, the fact that it's in London is absolutely fantastic.

"We were looking at the time about who would make good pros and Pricey was one that stood out for us.

"We looked at one or two others but we weren't sure if they'd be worth investing in.

"He had a good attitude – he wanted to learn, wanted to develop all of the time and he had good technical ability.

"It's one thing being an amateur, but then you've got to change and adapt for the pros.

"He's adapted really well."


Past Olympics have played a significant role in the careers of Audley Harrison, Amir Khan and James DeGale (pictured).

Sheffield-based Coldwell believes Olympians can really benefit from their exposure when making the transition into professional boxing.

"Obviously, [the Olympics] is a massive, massive thing and it can certainly make a fighter's career," he said.

"I think it's all positive.

"All of these young people that are going to the Olympics now – anyone that qualifies – it's going to make their career better whether they win a gold medal or not.

"The exposure you get just through being an Olympian... it's all positive.

"It then comes down to whether you can adapt, change to a professional style, become marketable and successful in the pros.

"Look at Audley [Harrison].

"He left the Olympics as an absolute hero and unfortunately, for whatever reason, he's not managed to make the transition to be as successful in the pros.

"He's still very marketable – people still follow him – but he's not got the public adoration that he had when he won the medal.

"You become a worldwide name if you win a medal at the Olympics.

"Especially in our country – boxing is a well supported sport – you can become a hero.

"Look at Amir Khan – he was an absolute hero when he was at the Olympics; we were all following his fights to see how he'd progress.

"When he turned professional he was boxing journeymen on ITV in big arenas in front of a million viewers – it makes a massive, massive difference.

"You don't have to be a medal winner to be special.

"Previous boxers at the Olympics have proved that.

"Look at Billy Joe [Saunders] – he didn't win a medal but he's turned out to be one of the outstanding prospects.

"I'll obviously be watching the boxing.

"I'm a big fan of track events – I love the 100 metres and the 400m.

"I'm not as keen on the longer distances, although I followed Mo Farah at the World Championships, and Jessica Ennis is a Sheffield girl, so I'll be following her.

"I'm looking forward to it.


"Tom Stalker (pictured), Anthony Joshua are just spot on kids.

"I've never met Anthony but I've seen the way he comes across on the television – he seems a really humble guy – and the guy can fight.

"If he does well at the Olympics then he's going to be an absolute superstar.

"It will launch him in a massive, massive way – I wish him all the best, he's definitely going to be one to watch.

"Kids like Tom Stalker – they're nice kids and they're dedicated, and they deserve all the success they get.

"I think the GB squad have got a great crop.

"(British Amateur Boxing Association director) Rob McCracken (pictured) and the team down there are doing an absolutely fantastic job – I think we've got a really good chance.


"The facilities they've got in Sheffield are great.

"It'd be great if they get a large amount of medals and I hope they get there.

"Every trainer, manager and promoter will be looking at them – they're the next crop.

"Everybody's going to be interested to see who breaks out.

"Before the last one, who thought James DeGale would become a gold medalist?

"He came away [as] top dog.

"The results have been going well, the preparation...the camaraderie's there.

"There are a lot of boxing coaches that are just trainers – that get fighters fit – but there's not that many teachers in the game.

"Rob McCracken's a teacher – from what I've seen of him and heard about him – I think we've got the best chance that we could have to win medals."

Coldwell is currently promoting top amateur and three-time ABA heavyweight champion Tony Bellew's upcoming fight against Danny McIntosh on April 14.

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