London's Boxing Eye with Paul Foley: Prizefighter Michael Grant interview

With the Amir Khan and Kevin Mitchell bouts this weekend it's easy to forget that there is an intriguing little light-welterweight tournament taking place one night earlier at London's Olympia (and most of the media have done a good job of this, including broadcasters of the showcase, Sky).

When I caught up with Mitchell at Canning Town's TKO gym on Tuesday morning young Michael Grant was on hand (actually he was on an exercise bike throughout this interview and at one point Mitchell was seated next to him!) and the relaxed Tottenham boxer was happy to expound on himself.

The Prizefighter participant will not be in an unfamiliar position if any of his opponents give him some attitude on Friday night. The 25-year-old works as a mentor to young men whose attitude has persuaded schools they would be better off without them!

As they embark on their journey out of the "normal" school system and into referral units etc, it is left to those like Michael who delight in inspiring "disrespectful and disruptive" pupils into a better way of life.

Michael calls on all the skills he has learned from boxing and feels that once the initial barriers of "having a chip on their shoulder" are overcome the "respect" factor kicks in.

With the light-welterweight tournament upon us, the man who calls himself  "Spice" will need his range of mental and physical attributes if he is to be the one who goes home with the shinning trophy and more importantly for him a cheque summing £32,000. And Grant is confident his dream will become reality.

When asked if he would come out as winner he quickly fired back with assurance."Of course, of course. I want to be lifting that trophy and taking home a cheque for £32,000."

His ambitions don't quite stop there though. He has "big dreams" and intends on seeing those ambitions realised. "Hopefully I will get a British title shot, but long term I want to be a British world champion definitely."

Grant draws inspiration from newly crowned WBA heavyweight champion David Haye and like the Bermonsdey man intends on being a performer.

What one word does he feel describes him the best? "Fast and furious." That's the thing with performers: there is always that little bit more...and it's good because boxing (and life in general) needs them.

So is it any different preparing for just three round fights and will that change how he fights?

"Not really. I've been working on sharpness, sprints and sharp pads. I've been fit for a long time. The shorter format works out better for me, because I box in and out, fast and accurate. So the three rounds suits me down to the ground."

Michael is looking forward to a nice holiday somewhere hot or as he puts it a "chill out" and considering this next statement why not?

"I haven't had a holiday for three years. I'm meant to go on holiday and then fights come up."

Working in the capacity of a mentor puts Michael in the thick of today's youth culture and he has some wise words for those who are caught up in the world of guns and gangs.

"It's not worth it. Do something positive with your life. Because with gun and knife crime there's only one way you'll end up. In jail or dead."

Michael says he could have got involved with the "wrong kind of life" but thanks boxing for keeping him focused. "I started boxing when I was seven and always had a strong brain. I wanted to make my mum proud."

Grant is highly thankful and respectful to his Mum and hails her as his chef. He enjoys a diet rich in Caribbean ingredients citing plantain and oxtail as his favourites

So can boxing play a crucial role in helping steer youngsters in the right direction?

"Yes. It channels your energy and makes you more relaxed. It's good." 

For a 25-year-old, Michael certainly brings a lot to the ring. He's undefeated as a professional 12-0-1(1) and as you can see is helping the community in a big way. So what are his chances?

Trainer Johnny Eames has had Michael with him since 2008 (he turned pro in 2005) and advises betting men to "get your money on him."

Grant says he will take the fight to his opponents so this should make for an exciting night. Michael has youth and speed on his side and if he boxes anything like he talks then he could well just be picking up the money.

Over the last few weeks several respected commentators have predicted Michael to come out on top. The main obstacle he will have to overcome is his lack of experience.

But should we doubt a man who is able to put way-ward youth on the "straight and narrow"?