Skip to content
Home » George Hennon says first loss ‘felt like a win’ ahead of July 1 return

George Hennon says first loss ‘felt like a win’ ahead of July 1 return

The 21-year-old welterweight from Kent will enter into his fifth pro bout at the Grays Civic Hall on the first day of July on the six-fight card promoted by Carl Greaves, titled ‘The Future’.

Georgey-boy’s previous outing has given him a huge confidence boost even though he suffered his first defeat in the paid ranks just weeks ago.

Hennon slipped down to 3-1 on his record following a third round stoppage at the hands of unbeaten Scot – Sam Ball (6-0) at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on May 28th, the same show that saw headliner Ricky Burns make history with his third world title win.

He commented on the recent performance, “The last fight helped massively, I didn’t realise how much it would help but it gave me so much confidence.”

The travelling fighter started brightly, flooring the home boxer in the opening round, but was decked himself in rounds two and three before the referee waved the fight off, despite Hennon beating the count.

There was a considerable size difference on the night with Hennon weighing in at 2lbs under the agreed welterweight limit, tipping the scales at 10st-7½lbs, and Ball bulking up to 11st-11lbs on fight night.

“Sam Ball’s a great fighter and no doubt he can go on to big things. That fight, for me, put my name out there and the reaction I’ve had from people messaging me that I don’t even know has been brilliant, and even though I lost, it feels like a win.

“The main thing is that I found out is what weight I really am in that bout. He’s a big lad and got in the ring a stone heavier than me.

“For my next fight, it’ll be at welterweight but if it’s a day before weigh-in, then I’d fight at super-lightweight.”

Despite the defeat, Hennon is open to being the underdog again if the chance came up. Trained by Johnny Greaves at the Peacock Gym in London, his well-known coach had 100 bouts in the paid ranks – all as the away fighter.

“I’d love to fight away again if the right opportunity comes up,” he said. “I’d take it with both hands – 100 per cent.”

Now, Hennon looks ahead to his next fight with renewed confidence and growing support as he tackles 33-year-old, super-lightweight – Ross Roberts over four-rounds.

“Got loads of support for my next fight,” he enthused. “I’m hearing from people that haven’t ever been before saying they want tickets so the support is growing.”

Follow George Hennon on Twitter @georgehennon12