Up close and personal with Rendall Munroe
BoxRec News correspondent Paul Foley gets cosy with current European super-bantamweight champion Rendall Munroe.
As Frank Maloney wrapped up the open forum of questions at his informal press get together in a
I started by asking the 29 year-old fighting binman if, given a little more publicity, would he have been a contender for the sports personality of the year award?
“Who knows? I’m into boxing because I enjoy it. A lot of people look up to me because I still work and enjoy that, too. I was doing the job before I started anything else and I will carry on doing the job,” began the unassuming
“Obviously I’m here at the press conference today because I asked for the day off but I’ll be back (at work) tomorrow. I am a down to earth person and boxing is a hobby but I do have a dream to become a world champion,” said Munroe.
Rendall, 20-1, is highly aware of the positive influence he can have on today’s younger generation. “I can show kids out there that anything you want in life, if you want it bad enough, it’s there to achieve.”
At this point I changed my tactics and thought about how many people like to get in shape this time of year, and asked this fine physical specimen for some tips.
“Eat well, drink well and train well,” said Munroe matter-of-factly. Simple stuff in theory but if you have a sweet tooth, perfecting this art will take a little practice.
Of course, the one advantage Munroe has over those of us who type or sit down all day is that he carries bins around for a living. He alludes to this by saying, “I get paid for my gym membership (carrying bins).
“Don’t indulge in sweets and cakes. Obviously everyone needs a treat, but keep yourself focused, and if your goal is to lose weight, set yourself an achievable one,” Munroe continued.
He makes it sound all so easy, and for someone like me who many call a health freak it is, so I prefer the apples and pears instead of ale and pies but not everyone has my palate.
One of Munroe’s endearing qualities is his down-to-earth personality and when I inquired what he does to generate ticket sales the reigning European super-bantamweight king provided a typical response.
“I just go work. Radio
“The job works for me because certain boxers get so far up and then forget about everybody else, but I’m showing everyone I’m still the same Rendall and I keep telling everyone that when I become world champion as long as work accept me I will go back the following week.”
Now that would be a great sight for the streets wouldn’t it?
Imagine the picture of a world champion who gets close to his community by cleaning it up. Considering the stories surrounding the private life of
Rendall hasn’t had anything handed to him on a plate while some other current fighters get an easier road to the top.
“That’s life. Some have it hard while others have it easy. But I have done it the way I had to. I have never ducked anyone. If you speak to my manager (Mike Shinfield) he will tell you that I would take on a man with six legs and I would be encouraged to start training.”
I quizzed Munroe on what his dream fight would be and he confessed the name of Bernard Dunne but he wouldn't engage in any trash talk.
Apart from bins and boxing what does Munroe occupy himself with?
“I am a very good footballer and also like to ride my bike.”
On the music front Rendall is a big reggae fan citing names such as Gregory Issac.
I found Rendall to be the kind of man boxing and life are glad to have. There are no masks and no gimmicks which reminds me of how he is in the ring. I don’t think his tune is about to stop playing yet.
Munroe displayed his full range of boxing skills and sweet sounds last year with another three impressive public displays. 2010 is here. A world title shot is on the horizon if he can dance his way past a WBC final eliminator with Mexican Victor Terrazas on April 23rd.
Keep on moving Rendall!
