Churchill’s, 10 October: Three Hours of Fight Camp
The Midnight Mayhem fighters were back at Churchill’s Boxing Gym in London for a three-hour session with WBC Cares UK. Next dates: 7 November and 12 December.
On Saturday 10 October the Midnight Mayhem fighters were back at Churchill’s Boxing Gym in London for their second group session with WBC Cares UK. This time it was three hours long. “Woo!” said Becky Johnson-Kent, who then wrote a song about it (to the tune of “Just the Two of Us”) when she thought only three people were coming. More turned up.
The team talk
Before the first bell, Lee sent the fighters a message:
“Listen to the coaches, ask questions and be willing to learn. These sessions are key to building the skills and confidence you’ll take into the ring. We’re not going in there to chase knockouts or hurt anyone. Your safety comes first, and learning to look after yourselves and each other starts in training. Push yourselves, support each other and remember why you signed up. There are people and charities behind every one of you.”
Scott Welch of WBC Cares UK battled London traffic to be there, as did Kevin Reid and Steve Mayes. Kev, on the way: “I’m using my hands-free. It’s important that safety comes first.” Alex Pratt: “Unless shadow boxing.”
Sparring
The session finished with sparring. Becky and Steve went toe to toe, and Steve landed a shot right at the end of the round. Becky was having none of his apologies: “I need to work on my defence.” Roger Redfearn-Tyrzyk, watching the videos from afar, picked out the positives: “Awesome jab pressure there, Becks, looks very good.”
Paul Dolman-Darrall left with homework: “Now to practise defending against Kevin Reid hooks.” Robin Hutchison headed back to Derbyshire “to learn how to keep my chin down.” And the fighters who couldn’t make it had the fear of missing out. Line Peteri, in Mexico City: “Standing in my flat eating eggs having the biggest FOMO!”
Next sessions
The next group sessions at Churchill’s Boxing Gym are on 7 November and 12 December, from 12pm to 2pm. Thank you to Churchill’s and to Scott, Matt, Alfie, Yusef and the whole WBC Cares UK team. Read about the first Churchill’s session, or back a fighter.
