Debutant watch - Ben Day

Boxing is well known for turning around the lives of many youngsters who were going through rough times. Ben Day’s younger years were marred with the tragedy of losing his father and then he was disowned by his mother who moved abroad.

Ben was in a really bad place, and like so many people who have suffered this kind of hardship the pain escalated into depression and heavy drinking.

Now things have changed.

Ben, 32, is successfully running the Ringtone Health and Fitness Gym in Euston and is high on life. The next chapter of Ben’s story is just around the corner as he makes his professional debut on a Mickey Helliet promoted show at the Coronet in Southwark on the 16th September.

Ben trains a wide variety of clients at his gym where he is getting famous for his pad work routines. Freddie Roach has been in contact and invited Ben over to the Wild Card gym in LA to share some of his best moves!

His first test comes in the form of Robin Deakin in a four round light-welterweight contest. 　 　

What made you want to start boxing?

I was working on a building site and kept coming into work drunk and a mate wanted to help me get out of the rut I was in and took me down the boxing club, I must have been at least 24 but was only doing it to keep fit and to release my anger, but I’ve only really took it seriously for the last three years. At school I was a runner, I won everything from sprints to long distance at county level for all my school life. I was a quality footballer any sport I touched I was talented in, but boxing was more fun. I even enjoyed getting hit! 　　

Did you have a boxing idol when you were younger?

For me even now Prince Naseem is the man, the package, the confidence, talent and skills all in one. I still watch him now. My style is similar, I’ve never been trained how to box I just watched the Prince, I even flip the ropes! 　 　

Did you do much amateur boxing?

I joined a club to fight but I was working in a pro gym and they didn’t like it, two times I went to fight weighed in etc and the opponent never turned up, never really liked the amateur style anyway. In and out jab and move. I had a handful of unlicensed fights and boxed some good boys. 　 　

How do you know the time is right to turn pro?

I was always in a pro gym and have a pro style, this is so the right time. I feel great I couldn’t have done this years ago, I was an idiot and I would have messed it all up. When everything’s dealt with outside the ring, inside is easier to deal with. Also because of my age I can’t leave it any longer, my age might seem late for the boxing world but this is perfect for me I feel 22 anyway.

Do you see a difference in the pro and amateur codes?

I see a big difference. All that hit and move doesn’t work in the pro game, if you hurt someone then move you might not be in the position to finish your opponent off. In the pro game you need to sit down on your shots. 　 　

What sort of fighting style do you have?

I look like I’ve come from the Ingles gym, very awkward throwing punches from all angles; some of my sparring partners get fed up with me! 　 　

What ambitions/expectations do you have for your pro career?

I would love to fight and win the British title one day. It would be a fairytale ending for me.