Debutant watch - Simon Henry

Leicester light-middleweight Simon Henry has been involved in boxing since the age of 16. Simon is 28 now and feels he has gained the necessary experience from fighting in the amateurs for Belgrave ABC and is now ready for a crack at the pro game.

He makes his debut on Clifton Mitchell's ‘Graduation Day’ card on the 25th September.

What made you want to start boxing?

My granddad was a boxer, when I was about 16 I just wanted to take up some kind of sport. I really looked up to my granddad and one day he took me to the Belgrave gym and ever since then I have been involved in boxing.

Did you have a boxing idol when you were younger?

When I watched boxing as a kid I watched a lot of Frank Bruno because he was a big name at the time. I didn’t really have an idol I just liked watching quality fighters like Mike Tyson and Barry McGuigan.

Did you do much amateur boxing?

I was boxing amateur for around ten years on and off, I think I had my first fight when I was 18. I started off really well and got to the Midland ABA final. Then I lost a couple of fights and then won a few more. Then I got to about 20 and stopped boxing for a while and had other interests that kept me away from boxing. Every time I restarted my career I did really well at the beginning and then I would lose my enthusiasm and the training would drop off then I would lose a couple of fights and then take another break from the sport.

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

I’m a lot more mature now and have got a more sensible head on my shoulders. I am very confident in my own abilities now and when I was younger I knew I was a good boxer but I wasn’t as confident as I am now.

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

To be honest I think my style suit’s the pro’s a lot more. I have spent time in the gym adapting styles and learning some new tricks. I find training as a pro a lot more enjoyable. I felt a bit frustrated with the amateur style as your told to fight a certain way, now I can fight the way I want to. I was looking for a manager and trying to find the right deal and then I met Clifton and everything just fell into place to turn pro.

Do you work full-time alongside boxing?

I work full time in security, I think being more mature helps with juggling working and training now, I can get my priorities right and stick to the training.

What sort of fighting style do you have?

I am very elusive and hard to hit! I have got quick hands. I have the hit and don’t get hit mentality, that’s what boxing is all about.

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

I have given my self four years to achieve something. There are plenty of opportunities out there for titles, with things like the Midland Area belt up for grabs. These days there is always the possibility of a prize fighter shot. There are lot of options fighting at light middle and I will just take every day as it comes and see what happens.