So September 17th is now set in stone…the next date for our fourth battle of the Contenders.
Thinking about putting your name forward but not sure what to expect? Questioning your fitness? Questioning your skill? Questioning your commitment? Well read on or speak to a Contender – they’re dotted around every team.
To be a Contender is a unique experience and so to help you decide we asked past Contenders what they thought about the whole experience and if they’d do it again. Here’s what they had to say…
Stewart Dollery the Clinic’s current Lightweight Belt holder:
“I had a great night, very nervous walking into the ring but once the bell went managed to compose myself and enjoy the fight. My fight didn’t quite go to my original plan… but I felt fantastic after the bell. Can’t wait for the next fight night especially as I plan to be 100% fit this time.”
Dan Hine the Clinic’s Middleweight Belt holder:
“In the weeks leading up to the fight I was relaxed and confident although on the night, pre-fight nerves got the better of me. I think part of it 
was sitting in the crowd for the whole of the first half. I spent the time looking around, getting more and more nervous as I sat there.
Ian, my opponent is a relentless fighter who puts his heart and soul into it, he’s always coming forward, so there’s never going to be a lot of time to settle. I knew it would be a tough fight, but it was a lot tougher than the last time I fought him, especially as he was much stronger on the night than any other time I’d sparred with him in training.
I won’t be happy until I have defended my belt a couple of times – so yeah, I’ll be fighting again.”
Ian O’Doherty challenger to the Middleweight belt was one of our first Contenders – he just keeps coming back for more!
“Before the fight I had a very classy image of boxing (technique, gloves glued to my head, movement and fluid footwork) and getting that belt – well I did until I got in the ring. Apparently I was smiling during it so must have enjoyed fu*king around in the ring. I was ok about losing at first but now I’m well annoyed with myself. “
Damon Bell, a Heavyweight Contender.
“After spending the last 10 minutes in the dressing room with tourettes syndrome I was soooo ready for it and psyched up. I was loving my music and felt I was ready to take on the world.
When the final bell went I felt amazing even though I had lost. I was so proud of what I’d achieved and to have my friends, family and colleagues cheering me on was amazing. If anyone is on the fence about doing this then I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. I would do it again tonight, tomorrow night and the night after that….”
James Wilkinson….
“Nervous? Hell yeah!
I’d been thinking about the fight, playing out the various scenarios from about 6 weeks out. Once I arrived at the venue on the night I calmed down a little. Chatting to the other Contenders certainly helped.
Ben and Paul in the corners had prepared me perfectly – thanks guys. By the time the first bell had gone it felt just like a sparring session. By the time of the third I remember wishing Nick would stop coming at me and just let me rest – relentless!
Overall an amazing experience – I’ll definitely do it again.”
Got the bug? Just email Graham info@theboxingclinic.com and sign up before it’s too late.
