Billy Cayzer - “I’m ready to go out there and do the business”

Other than getting a first big title shot making your pro debut is one of the most critical fights of your career, plus its one you just don’t want to lose. On Saturday night at York Hall Billy Cayzer makes the jump into the paid ranks as he takes on Matt Seawright in a four rounder.

The 19 year old from Eltham in London was boxing mad as a kid and as he has grown up his love for the sport hasn’t faded.

“I originally started boxing from about the age of 10, I used to watch it on TV, always followed it from a young age then I thought to myself I fancy giving that a crack and see how it goes.”

Every youngster has a sporting idol, someone who’s career they crave to echo. Billy recognised class from the beginning and you would be hard pushed to find many better fighters to model yourself on.

“When I was younger Marvin Hagler was my hero, I was a massive fan of his. He could box when he wanted to and he could also roll his sleeves up when he had to.”

Having been involved in the sport for almost ten years the time came where Billy had to seriously think about making the transition into the pro game. Every fighter has their own personal reasons for making the move Billy talks about why he felt time was right for him.

“Yeah, basically I thought the time was right to turn pro now. Partly due to the fact that amateur boxing isn’t that fair anymore, there’s a lot of politics involved and results don’t always go the right way. If you face doesn’t fit or your not with the right club you don’t get the decisions you should. I got pretty sick of that and thought to my self lets go over to the pro game and I think it will suit me better.

“People have always said to me I was a professional fighter trapped in the body of an amateur fighter. The move to the pro game should suit me down to the ground.”

Even though Billy was not completely happy with the amateur game towards the end, he still had a decent record and is happy with what he achieved.

“I had 29 fights with 21 wins. As an amateur I went our there with some of the best guys at my weight like George Carman, Brett O’Callaghan and Tom Baker. I faired very well with those guys. I beat Brett, lost a real bad decision against George and if the opportunity ever came about to box him again in the pro game then I wouldn’t refuse it. I went to the national finals in the junior ABA’s and I represented London against Ireland."

His ability in the amateur game didn’t go unnoticed, receiving some handsome feedback from the one and only Barry McGuigan. “I remember after one of my fights in the finals of the NACYP’s Barry commented on my fight and said ‘you will make millions as a pro!'”

The early days of a boxing career can be tough. It’s not all about the flashing lights of Las Vegas like portrayed in the media. For Billy it’s about juggling a day job and boxing.

“At the moment I’m training out of the Gum Shield gym in Eltham. In the day I’m a qualified carpenter so work from seven in the morning until five in the evening and then straight from work to the gym. Leading up to fights I always try and get out for a run before work in the morning. It’s a hard life but I really want it so it’s worth it."

If you turn over without any ambition or expectations can you realistically make it to the top? Billy is full of ambition and every young fighter should have a dream.

“Now I’ve turned over pro, I would love to go on and win a world title. I’m just here to offer everything I can to the sport and I want to make a bit of money out of it too. I want to be that face that everyone sees on the back pages of the paper.”

Saying that, he is under no illusions it’s going to be easy. “I believe it’s a bit slower paced, but a lot more dangerous game. There’s no point going into the pros if your going to play at it and not put 100% into your training. With the amateurs you can sort of get by with your boxing style but when it comes to the pros there’s no where to hide."

Now all the hard work in the gym is done its time for Billy to concentrate on the fight and get prepared for his big night. To be honest he’s not that concerned who’s put in front of him, he just wants to get on with it and fight.

“I’ve heard a little bit about him, but really it isn’t me that should be looking our for him. It’s him that should be watching out for me! I’ve put all my time and effort in at the gym and now I’m just ready to go out there and do the business. I’m very confident of winning."

Billy’s fight on Saturday is part of a 14 fight bonanza card put on by new boxing promoter Olivia Goodwin at Bethnal Green’s York Hall.