Ringnews24.com: Your British title fight against Chris Eubank Jr fell through due to an injury to Eubank. How disappointed were you?
It’s been well-reported that I was devastated, but I’m looking on the plus side in that I’m fighting for the British title still, and the Eubanks don’t mean anything to me anymore.
Ringnews24.com: Chris Eubank Jr’s management team released a press release with the follow quotes “it has become clear to Chris Eubank Jnr’s management over these past few months how much danger the health and lives of these contenders are in, therefore the relinquishing of the British Championship” and “Chris Eubank Jnr’s management team will use the injury as an opportunity to step aside and fight high calibre world competition” It’s clear they feel that you aren’t on Eubank’s level, as a fighter how do you react to these comments and do you think they are disrespecting you?
The only comment I’d make on that is that if there was such a vast chasm and if I’m so far below them then it would have been an easy fight to defend the title and make easy some money, so it’s just bollocks!
Ringnews24.com: Eubank Jr. stepping aside has set up a fight between yourself and Sam Sheedy; the fight was postponed and put back to a later date. How has that affected your training camp?
It was frustrating at the time but these things happen. As a result, the camp has been more settled. After the postponement, I had a break then got back on it again, and it’s been more settled and had more time to get lots of southpaw sparring in, despite the fact I’m very comfortable with southpaws, it’s always good to get lots of rounds in to be able to deal with them effectively, so it’s helped me in a way.
Ringnews24.com: You have a fight coming up against Sam Sheedy – Who have you been sparring in preparation for Sheedy?
I have done a lot of sparring with Lerrone Richards, who was a very good amateur; Joe Sherriff – an awkward southpaw who is a light-heavyweight that does the same things as Sheedy; done a bit with Tyler Denny – a raw novice but is very back-foot orientated who tries to spring attacks; it’s all been high quality and it’s all helped to execute the game-plan and how it needs to be done on the night.
Ringnews24.com: Have you done anything differently in this camp compared to other training camps?
There is and there isn’t, the approach has been different this camp as it’s been more orientated around the opponent rather than just getting fight-fit. There’s been specific tactics involved which has been a nice change and a bit different to other camps. When it was Eubank, we did real intense fitness work that was new and different, but for Sheedy there’s been more hand-eye coordination to improve timing and precision. It’s the same sort of pattern as usual but a few little tweaks here and there, and a bigger focus in tactics for the opposition.
Ringnews24.com: Do you have a prediction of how the fight will end?
I think it depends; obviously, the only thing I can see is my arm being raised. Depending on Sheedy’s tactics, he is fleet-footed, boxes on the back-foot, if he doesn’t engage with me then it will end on a wide points margin, but, if he stands his ground, then I believe I’ll stop him. I’m not underestimating Sheedy, so I will have to be at my best for that to happen.
Ringnews24.com: You are fighting on November 26, at the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales, have you visited the venue before and do you know much about it or the Welsh fans?
I’ve got quite a good connection with the Welsh fans. My last fight was in Cardiff and I’ve done so much stuff with Liam Williams and I know Gary Lockett very well now, so got a good relationship with their team and we all talk highly of each other. So, I’ve got a few Welsh fans through Liam Williams, which is good as the more noise in the arena – the better. It’s the same for my fans also, they like Williams because of our connection, so they’ll be rooting for him in his fight.
Ringnews24.com: Who is going to be in your corner on the night? and what do they bring to Team Langford?
Tom Chaney – he’s the main man, a phenomenal tactician that can’t be replaced. He’s more than just a trainer, he goes above and beyond – he’s a friend, a Councillor, he does everything! Kerry Kayes from CNP normally does my cuts, he brings a lot of experience to the corner as he’s got the knowledge having been in so many corners for so long, he’s regimented in his work and he’s a big help in the corner with his vast knowledge as he’s been there and done it. Unfortunately, he can’t be there for this fight so my manager Jason McClory will be the cut man on the night, he’s done it before, the corner is nice and relaxed with him in there. Al Mousley – he’s the corner second, I’ve known him for quite a long time so he’s a good friend and good to have backstage, cracking jokes.
Ringnews24.com: How can fans watch the fight? Is the fight on TV and what channel?
It’s live on BoxNation TV. Viewers can watch the show on Sky Channel 437/ HD 490, Virgin Channel 546, TalkTalk Channel 525. There’s still tickets available on my website priced at £35, £40, £70, £100, £150 at http://www.tommylangford.co.uk/
Ringnews24.com: After your victory, are there any fighters that you would like to fight next?
I’m looking at bigger opportunities all the time. The British title is a big deal for me to win and I’ll immediately be looking at the European belt next. There’s two Italians fighting for that so hopefully I can get to fight the winner in early 2017. I believe in always looking up, so I’m targeting higher opponents and bigger opportunities, but if they don’t come off then I’ll defend the British.
Ringnews24.com: Do you have a message for the fans?
I’ve got close to a thousand coming in numbers, so it’s the biggest crowd that I’ve ever taken to a fight. It’s unreal support and I know that they’re all looking forward to it, as they are dying to see me fight, finally! There’s been a lot of publicity this past week which is building the hype. It just means the world to me that they spend their hard earned money on me and I cant thank them all enough. The fans enable you to do what you do in the ring. I just hope everyone enjoys the night as much as I will.
Interview Credit: Tim Rickson
