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28 October 2011

Ashley Theophane training camp update: Week 3 (Nigel Wright)

Ashley Theophane
ashleytheophane.com
Former fighter John Duddy passed through Gleason’s gym in the week. Duddy was an Irish amateur star and had a decent career as a professional.
I’m in my third week of training camp in New York City. Everything is going to plan. My boxing trainers, Harry and Jihad are definitely getting the best out of me. I am feeling sharp and fluid.
Even in this ultra-competitive environment, it is clear to me that no one trains as consistently hard as I do. Talent only gets you so far. The hard work you are prepared to put in, day-in and day-out, makes the impossible, possible.
I’m particularly proud of my cardiovascular and strength training; 4 hour sessions which can include 6 mile runs, swimming, cycling, yoga, Pilates and strength sessions. It sounds tough and believe you me, they are seriously tough. You have to love what you do, to do this regime – regularly.
My fourth week will see me sparring world title challenger, Argenis Mendez, WBC world number 4, Leon Moore, Francisco ‘Gato’ Figueroa, who fought in a world title eliminator against Randall Bailey, and the Burrell twins who are skilful prospects, whom I always work with when I come over here. This is not a programme for the faint of heart.
I’m half way through my training camp in New York City and I’m already feeling the real benefits of coming out here.
In six weeks, I will be making the second defence my British title and I am 100% confident that I will win.
The quality of sparring, boxing training and conditioning I am enjoying here is still a world apart from what is currently available in the UK. Coming away to training camp is not cheap but it’s well worth every dollar. David Haye once said that his training camps in Miami were so costly that he didn’t make any money until he was world cruiserweight champion. You must invest in yourself and you will reap the benefits in the long run.
My next defence is at the Peterlee leisure centre in Sunderland, where Nigel Wright fought my friend, Ajose Olusegun for the British title nearly four years ago. I am aiming at making it ‘déjà vu’ night for Nigel.
Promoter Frank Maloney has given him home advantage but that will not help him against me. He will lose for the seventh time in his career and have to do some thinking about his future. Every time he has stepped up in class he has lost. This will be no different.
Nigel is on a decent run of four wins but he wasn’t facing championship class opposition.
All the same, having recently appeared on Premier Sport, ESPN and Channel Five shows, it will be nice to be on Sky Sports again, as it has been nearly five years since my last appearance on the channel.
I can’t wait for next week’s training camp.

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