Fight Night !

So it had finally arrived, Saturday 16th July, that mystical date, that had been a distant, never going to get here, date, had actually arrived.

Having slept a lot better than I thought I might,  I had just one hours work to do in the morning, then meet a couple of my friends who were flying over for the night, and hopefully find something to fill my day.

Our original plan was too play 9 holes of golf, then head to hotel in the late afternoon, but due to the rain, we just went for lunch and headed to hotel early to make use of the pool and sauna etc, very relaxed afternoon and gave me a good chance to catch up with my mates.

As they had to get ready early for dinner, I headed home and made myself a banana omelette, which I ate then and some broccoli, cauliflower and salmon for later on as I wasn't fighting till about 11ish, but wasn't sure how I would be, it ended up I had no problems and scoffed the lot about 9pm.

Got back to the hotel about  7 and sat in room watching TV for about half an hour, before my boredom kicked in, decided to sneak down and have a peak into room, where we would be fighting.
This ended up the worst piece of sneaking in history, as soon as got near the door, I met one of my friends, so had a chat with them, but before I knew itI had meet about ten people, I knew so, decided it would be just as well to go in and see my guests at the tables.
Thankfully there was another couple of boxers there, so didn't feel too bad going in early.

I was very relaxed at this stage, which I put down to the fact the fights hadn't actually started yet, but everyone asking me if I was nervous, wasn't helping the situation and as the night went on, the  drunker everyone got, the worse this was to get, I eventually started staying away from the tables, although I appreciate, everyone was only trying to help.

We were all called up to changing area for our medical, which was quick and passed by everyone.

After this, the first real buzz of the night started as the two guys, up for the first fight started getting changed and warmed up, Fight Night was definitely here.
I decided just to see how I felt, regarding watching fights, wasn't sure if I would be more nervous in watching the fights, or sitting in my room, watching TV, twiddling my thumbs.
As it turned out, I ended up doing a bit of both, although I mostly left the hall, when people, who were getting more drunk, started giving me advice etc. Although again, I know everyone,was just trying to help, sure all the guys were getting this.

The fights I watched, were brilliant, so evenly matched and everyone doing themselves very proud, the 600 strong crowd were definitely getting a show. The nerves if any, guys had seemed to disappear as soon as they came out to their particular entrance music, which is a massive part of the experience and really makes the the night, even more professional.

Miles and me were on 10th out of 11 fights, which ended up being about 11.30pm.

I was amazed how relaxed I was about the whole thing, which I put down to the top quality training I have received in the last ten weeks, one of the biggest differences, between this and an amateur fight, is that we have all trained and sparred together, so we know exactly who we're going to be facing and have sparred together and been trained to fight that particular opponent, so that helped a lot.


Even when I got changed and had done some pad work, I was still really relaxed and ready fro the whole thing.
When I say this I don't want to sound like I was really confident of winning, far from it, but I knew i was ready.

So Miles was called out first and I could here the atmosphere was getting louder as the night went on. Which for me was brilliant, my attention seeker impulse was back.
I was given the signal to stand in position, ready fro my entrance, I could see all of my friends had already gathered round this area, my entrance music was DJ Fresh, 'Louder' which meant I had a 30 second stand before it kicks in and I head to the ring, which I thought would seem ages, but went very quickly indeed, before I knew it, I was in the ring, my Fight Night, was definitely on.

Although its very difficult to say when your actually boxing, I will try and explain how I thought it went.
First round, I felt a little bit slow in getting started a problem, Miles definitely didn't have and his punches were a lot harder than when we were sparring.
Second round was a bit better, as I had realised fight night was here.
Third Round, I was glad it wasn't a four round fight !
Then it was done, that was it, ten weeks, 29 sessions, 6 minutes, thats it all over and i was still on my feet !

So after we had congratulated each other and thanked Tony in mine and Gerry in Miles corner, it was back into the middle, with referee Steve Collins for the result.

And the winner is Miles

So that was it, all over, I had been beaten and not even a broken toe to use as an excuse !
But fair play to Miles he has worked extremely hard for this and was an awesome sparring partner and guy to train next too over the last few months, so no complaints at being beaten by him.


Next up a few cold beers !

Looking back at the whole experience, I cannot explain how amazing it has been.
I am so very very proud to say I am one of these 22 guys, who 10 weeks ago, mostly, myself included had never having lifted a glove in a boxing ring, to where we are now, the show that was put on, was worthy of the 600 strong crowd who were lucky enough to witness it,  there was not one bad fight on this wonderful night.
Although all our thought did go to Guy, who unfortunately dislocated his shoulder in his bout, with only about 30 seconds left and had to be taking to hospital, but fortunately got out a few hours later.
All the guys attitudes, determination and desire to do there very best, during this very tough period, was as high as I have seen any group of sportsmen in my time as a footballer or a trainer, amazing.

But the biggest thanks and respect must go to Ben Murray and his team of Allan, Tony, Gerry, Sam, Colin, Ricky, Harry and Mick (who although not part of the team, gave us all very useful advice during the ten weeks).

The professionalism, which runs through this entire team is phenomenal, not only at the weigh in or fight night, when everyone is watching, but during ever gym session, when its just us and them, every session is done for a reason, ever exercise, is there for a reason, ever word spoken to you, ever bit of one to one work is there for a reason.

That reason is not to just get us through 3 x 2 minute rounds, it is to get us through 3 x 2 minute rounds, looking and boxing like someone who has been doing this for years not, weeks.
And to a man, each and every boxer did that, I can't imagine Ben or his team, thinking someone could've done more, or let themselves down, yes, some of us got beaten, some of us won, some drew, but no one can take away from us those ten weeks, that transformation, the ability and belief to step through those ropes.

So a huge THANK YOU, to everyone in the coaching staff, there were no favourites, no one got extra training or better advice. We were all equal, we rose together, we are all better for it.

Also a huge thank you, to you, yes YOU, whoever you maybe, whether one of the boxers, a coach, a friend, a friend of a boxer, whoever, thank you for reading my little blog, it has been a joy to write and I have had some great feed back from it, I will post photos from the weigh in and fight night in next few days, so look out for those, in the usual places

So lastly (and this time I do mean it)

Thanks Ben

Where I go from here, what next adventure I put myself up for, has a lot to live up too, I can't even begin to think of anything that could top this experience.


Craig :-)


P.S Does anyone want to buy some boxing boots ?

Weigh in

I'm back ! Sorry for length of time since last blog, I've been busy (mostly selecting underwear to be fair)

So Friday was weigh in night, which fro some of the guys was a more nerve racking experience, than the actual fight.
Not for me, I am too much of an attention seeker, to not enjoy it.
My biggest dilemma was underwear selection.
What the guys in the department store thought I was doing, when I spent 45 minutes, looking at mens underwear, I can only imagine, they probably, thought I was getting "lucky' that weekend, if only they knew ha ha.

Underwear selected and ready to go, I turned up at Champions Bar, to be greeted by what must've been 2-300 people ! My so called attention seeker trait, had suddenly shrunk (hopefully nothing else would).

So we were split into two, makeshift changing rooms, red and blue corner, which weren't the biggest fro 11 guys, and felt a whole lot smaller, when we stripped down to our underwear, there was certainly a few new pairs in there.

Ben came in and gave us a briefing of what to do when we went out and then we got called out in fight order, for weigh in and some photographs. This led to some guys, who I won't mention (Matthew Hill and Paul Dicker) doing press ups and tricep dips, to get that pumped look :-)

As it turned out, it was over very quickly (thankfully) and was a good chance to chat with the guys, without hitting each other for a change.

Here is one of the photos of Miles and me

As you can see, we both have that evil, nasty boxer look down to a T !!

All of the guys have made an amazing transformation in not only their fitness, but their weight and body shape, overall the guys lost 122Kg between them, which itself is astounding !

Next Up Fight Night !


Craig :-)

That'll be that then !

Well thats it, no more training sessions  at Ben's gym, 10 weeks are almost up and we only have two more things to do. And we definitely kept the best things till last !
First up we have a very public weigh in at a popular bar  (Champions Bar) in St Heleir town centre.
This is on Friday night at 5.30pm and everyone is welcome, so please come along and show the guys your support, or maybe you just like to see guys in pants, it will be a very good 45 minutes or so, with the guys getting torn to shreds by MC Allan (his talents are countless)
I'm sure he'll even mention a few of the guys , very sudden tans !
Then its Saturday and fight day/night and I think everyone is planning different ways of spending there day, I'm hoping to play a gentle 9 holes of golf, if weather is good.
Then head to the hotel, I have booked a room, chill out there, maybe use the spa, try and relax, back to room for (hopefully) late afternoon sleep.
Down to meet the guys and do our medical, pop in to say hello to everyone that has come to see me, maybe watch a couple of the early fights or relax in my room, will see how I feel on the night.

As I said before thats was the last session tonight and would like to take this opportunity to say a personal thanks to Ben, Allan (not as much ha ha) Gerry, Tony, Sam, Colin and Harry who have been a constant support and guide, fro the entire time we have been up there, not only for myself, but everyone.
They have known exactly how to handle and teach all the guys, taking us from guys with no, or very little boxing experience, to people who have every chance in the world of actually winning their own match on Saturday. Thanks Guys (this time I mean it).

Also I would like to thank all my fellow boxers, who have bonded together, pushing each other through, what has been an exceptionally hard 10 weeks, with no less than 100% effort given by everyone in every session.
No matter how low or tired I was feeling, there was always someone, giving that little word of encouragement, that little push, getting you through those last 30 seconds of a round or exercise.
Without this team spirit, the ten weeks would of seemed like ten months, instead its been like 4 or 5 weeks.
So a massive thank you to each and everyone of the boxers, THANK YOU.
I am sure we will meet up for a night out, soon, as we maybe a little busy to get a drink together on Saturday.
Good luck to all of you (Except Miles ha ha) in your match on Saturday night, you now have the ability, to box, with skill and class, to put on a display, that will not only make you proud of what you have achieved, but will make your friends, family, trainers and fellow boxers extremely honoured to know you.

The message below is for all of you.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”  Theodore Roosevelt

So next up the weigh in, I'll post some photos, on Friday

Please come down if you can. Champions Bar 5.30pm Friday

Craig :-)

Sunday Fundays are no more !

The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the  road, long before I dance under those lights. Muhammad Al So today was the last Sunday Funday and the second last training session for everyone, before next Saturdays fight night. And its safe to say, win, lose or draw next week, every single one of these guys who have never stopped, in their effort and work rate, we have been pushed, then pushed some more, no one has quit, no one has backed out, are already champions. In some ways the fight, well the result anyway,  is actually the least important part of the whole ten weeks. Now don't get me wrong, I (as well as all the other guys) will be doing my utmost to win my match, be under no illusion, that we don't care about that. Although when we look back at what we have all achieved in what is only a short period of time, under the excellent guidance, from Ben, Allan, Gerry and Tony, we can only be proud of where we are now, no matter what happens next week. I think the biggest fear everyone has, is going out and not boxing, the way we have been shown, freezing on the night, or getting that red mist and just throwing random crazy punches. Hopefully this will not happen to anyone. For the last Sunday Funday, we got the usual hammering, loads of bag work, which wiped most of us out, before Ben (kindly) took us out for 5, yes 5 sets of the Fort steps (Oh how we'll miss those steps) but as Ben said after it, if your legs are strong enough after bag work to do the steps, our fitness will be good enough fornext week. This week, is going to be strange as I will being focusing more on collecting sponsorship money,  collecting my pimped up shorts, sorting table seating, wine and food options, haircut, underwear selection etc Although there was a couple of guys today, that looked a little more 'tanned' than they were on Thursday, I may refrain from taking the spray tan route, before Fridays weigh in. This, if you live in Jersey is taking place in Champions bar on Friday at 5.30pm, so come down and give the guys some support, especially if you can't make fight night. Ben also gave us the official line up and opponents (I will be facing Miles)for the night, although everyone knew who they were fighting,we didn't know the order, everyone wants to go early, so  its done and you can enjoy the night. I'm on second last (thanks Ben) thats 10th fight out of 11 ! And as the matches don't start till 9, it'll be a long night, before I get down to the important part ofmy night, a drink, the residents bar, better be planning on staying open for a while ! So will keep you posted on all the news as the night gets closer. Craig :-)

No more Thursday training !

So thats it, we've only got two more sessions in the gym and then, its the final countdown to the 16th and fight night.
The sessions now are high intensity bag work and general tweaking of technique, as Allan said tonight, our fitness is there, so now its all about the little things, that will make a huge difference on the night.

Saw this and thought of the guys and there journey so far.

So its last Sunday Funday, to come and more high intensity work.
In the mean time, I have music, table seating, wine lists, shorts to get pimped up, vest to get logo added to, sponsorship to collect and a fight to get ready for, so plenty to keep me and the rest of the guys going.

Sure there will be plenty blog updates next week as it all comes together and the night gets closer.

Craig :-)

The end is in sight

So its the last full week of training now, can't believe its came round so quickly.

Starting to get more and more things sorted for the actual night, we have our vests, so we at least know what corner we're in and we can get our sponsors name on them.
I think most of the guys have now selected their entrance music too, although most people like to keep this quiet, until the night, so have that surprise element.
Again I think most people have their shorts sorted too, some will be plain, while I'm sure there will also be some 'pimped up' shorts too.

Tonights session, was high intensity work, mostly on bagwork, with the coaches taken you out fro pad work randomly as the session went on.

As I am still wiped from it and my memory is a little hazy, I will try and recall the session.
4x 3 minute rounds
4 x 2 minute rounds, interspersed with 4 punches, 4 squat thrusts, 4 punches 6 squat thrusts upto 10 and back down and  6 punches, 4 squat jumps, and adding 2 everytime upto 10 and back down.
Straight onto 6 x 2 minute rounds
8 x 1 minute rounds, which the guys are sure ended up more like 10
6 x 30 second rounds, which ended up about 12, due to Ben deciding to get involved in something else and forget about us ! Thanks Ben !

And that was that, simple yet very, very, very effective.

Everyone is just itching to get the fight over now, and I don't think there is anyone who isn't ready for it.

Just 3, maybe 4 sessions left now, then its all systems go

Hopefully we'll all get through the 3 sessions !

Craig :-)

If I was a horse they would've shot me !

"Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even." 

Muhammad Ali

So the second last Sunday Funday has been and gone and from my point of view the least funday yet.

The sessions were split into two today, 9.30am and 10.30, so everyone could get 3 x 2 rounds of sparring in, while giving Ben and his team time to watch and coach the guys through this.

So after 4 or 5 easyish rounds of bagwork, Miles and myself were called up for our sparring session.

As usual, Ben, Allan and Gerry had some coaching points for both of us, taking us individually, giving tips on how I should box against Miles and Miles getting tips on how to box against me, on this occasion I think Miles listened better than I did.

By the end of the first round I had been well and truly battered, if it I had been a real fight, they may even of stopped it, called in the doctor, just to check I was still alive as I hadn't been moving very much, where as Miles looked really sharp and was moving loads better than even a week ago.

The second round if anything was worse ! At one point Miles knocked me down, with a good right hook, by this point it was feeling like 2 hour rounds, never mind two minutes.

As I went into the third round, I was just counting the time down, hoping it would be finished quickly, it wasn't, again it seemed like forever.

Then Ben shouted those magic words "time guys" thank France for that I thought.

Why I did so badly today, could be down to a few things, none of them a broken toe though, thats a professional excuse.

But probably the main one, was that Miles was sharp and really up for it today. If I wasn't sure how tough it was going to be on the night I certainly know now.

Although disappointed with the way it went today, I also know, everyone, whether  an amateur or a professional at any sport, have their bad days, when nothing seems to go right, just look at Rory McIllroy in the US masters, 9 shots ahead, going into last day and flying then it all went horribly wrong and he ended up fourth (I think), but then at the next major, the US Open, he learned from that and went on to win by a huge margin.


And when these days do happen, there is only one man to lift you back up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp7psE585Ek&feature=related



Tuesday cannot come quick enough !


Craig :-)