Debutant watch - Connor Nixon
Making the transition from amateur boxing into the professional game is a huge jump that needs to be carefully considered.
Connor Nixon might be only be 18 years old but he feels the experience gained during his amateur career which included seven international bouts for England will stand him in good stead for an assault on the domestic Bantamweight Division.
Connor will make his debut on Friday night against the seasoned Delroy Spencer (14-122-3) at the Doncaster Dome.
What made you want to start boxing?
It was my brother who got me started, he had been training in the gym and I just wanted to try it out too. I was eight when I first started. My brother was an Army champion and he fought Brad Saunders twice in the amateurs.
Did you have a boxing idol when you were younger?
I didn’t really have an idol when I was younger, but now I have started fighting I idolise myself on fighters who’s style is similar to mine like Pernell Whitaker for example.
Did you do much amateur boxing?
I had about 40 fights. I won a Golden Gloves and Golden belt tournament, a CYP tournament and I won a Junior ABA title too. I boxed for England seven times during my career.
How do you know the time is right to turn pro?
With the Olympics round the corner there wasn’t much more I could do as an amateur. I went to a GB try out where I got down to the last seven but that wasn’t good enough to get me into the Olympic frame. My amateur coach died a few months ago and I was talking with Stefy Bull and we decided the time was right to turn pro. I made this weight really easy and I weighed 8st 9lb last week so I could maybe move down a weight or two if any opportunities arise.
Do you see a difference in the pro and amateur codes?
Yeah the pro style is a lot more slowed down and you have to sit down on your punches a lot more compared to the amateur game when your tapping away and scoring points. As a pro you have to win the rounds, in the amateur sport you could get a 10 point lead in the first round and then back off for the rest of the fight. As a pro you have to go for it every round.
Do you work full-time alongside boxing?
I work full time as a gas utility engineer replacing gas mains and stuff. I have been really lucky as my boss has given me some extra time off work to prepare for this fight. Hopefully I will be able to take some time off before all my fights.
What sort of fighting style do you have?
I think my style will be more suited to being a counter puncher. I can push forward if need be but I prefer to counter punch.
What ambitions/expectations do you have for your pro career?
I just want to do as well as I can really, In the future I will be looking towards English and British titles. But I am aware that I have to start somewhere and will take my time to progress.
