Debutant watch - Johnny Garton

The next episode in BoxRec News’ debutant watch series features 24 year-old Johnny Garton who makes his professional debut this Friday night at the York Hall.

Johnny is hoping to fight regularly, as he feels the best way to stay sharp is by keeping busy during the early stages of his career. Johnny is campaigning as a welterweight and trains out of Keddles Gym in Orpington alongside Sam Webb and Bradley Skeete.

What made you want to start boxing?

I didn’t actually start boxing to fight, I went to the gym when I was 18 just to lose a bit of weight. Then I started to have a spar with someone who beat me up and I kept going to the club to get my own back on him. Then after a lot of sparring I thought I would try an amateur contest and it just carried on from there.

Did you have a boxing idol when you were younger?

I’ve always been into boxing and my cousin used to box as a pro and he was a really good amateur. I used to go and watch him a lot as a kid so I have always followed the sport. My favourite fighter is Marco Antonio Barrera.

Did you do much amateur boxing?

I had 34 bouts but I’m not too sure how many I won, probably about 23 of them. I fought out of Lynn AC in Camberwell. Then my coach started his own gym called Double Jab and I fought for them too. I won two South East ABA titles and got to the London ABA semi-finals.

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

I have wanted to turn pro for the last couple of years but I didn’t think I had gained enough experience. I just kept taking more amateur fights and learning more. Then I got to the stage when I thought I was ready and my coaches agreed and thought I could do well as a pro. I didn’t want to rush into it and get bashed up so I’m glad I have waited until we felt the time was right.

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

Yeah I thought I had a quite a come forward pro style anyway, there is definitely a difference in the way you are taught to throw your shots and plant your feet. I think the amateur game is more tap and move, now as a pro you have to sit down on your shots.

Do you work full-time alongside boxing?

I work full time as a mechanic, as soon as I finish work im off to the gym which is about a 20 minute drive. I like to do my running in the morning.

What sort of fighting style do you have?

I do like to come forward and get involved. My coaches are trying to get me to box a bit more and take less punches. I used to always get into a tear up but we are working on changing my style to box a bit more.

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

I would love to win a British title outright, that’s my goal.