Hot unbeaten East End prospect Billy Morgan will return to action this Friday night at the sold-out York Hall in Bethnal Green on the undercard of gym-mate Kevin Mitchell.
Glynn Evans talks to lightweight Morgan, who takes on Gants Hill’s Dan Naylor over six rounds, as he looks to take his record to 6-0.
Kevin Mitchell’s return against Felix Lora headlines the show which can be seen live and exclusive on the New Undisputed Home of Boxing BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546) on Friday 10th February from 8pm.
Name: Billy Morgan
Born: Canning Town
Age: 21
Family background: I’m the third of four brothers from a footballing family. I still live at home with mum and dad in Canning Town. I ain’t got the money to move out yet. London (property) prices are very expensive.
Trade: I’m a qualified plumber and within the next fortnight I’ll be a qualified gas engineer.
Nickname: The press dubbed me ‘Billy The Kid’ because I look so young but (gymmate) Billy Joe Saunders uses that sometimes (‘The Caravan Kid’) so I’m not really using one at the minute.
What age did you become interested in boxing and why? I was 11. I weren’t an aggressive kid and never really had any street fights but I had a mate who was a bit ‘big’ and he went to the West Ham gym for him to lose weight. As I was really keen on my football at the time, I tagged along for a bit of extra fitness. Previously I’d done karate but fell out with that cos there was no contact.
What do you recall of your amateur career? Within five or six weeks of starting I had my first bout away in Darlington, seven hours drive each way on the mini bus. I won and never looked back.
I stayed at the West Ham for 10 years and trained nearly every day with (head coach) Mickey May, a real character. Brian O’Shaughnessy, Danny and Joey Tokeley and (ex pro) Michael Driscoll also helped train me.
I had 80 odd amateur fights, losing 12, and I won two junior ABAs, the National Boys Clubs, plus a junior Four Nations gold. In 2009, I went in the senior ABAs but lost a majority in the London featherweight final to Lewis Pettitt of the Nemisis club in south London. He’s now unbeaten as a pro.
I must have represented England about 15 times, boxed in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France and Germany. When I was 16, I beat a European (Cadet) champion from Germany but the highlight was probably winning my first title, the Junior ABAs, beating Manchester’s James Barker. Previously, I’d got beaten in the semis twice and also in the national schools final. That meant a lot to me.
I regret not giving the senior ABAs another go. I really wanted an ABA title but I was pleased with what I did as an amateur, particularly as I never took boxing up to achieve anything. I just fell into it.
Why did you decide to turn pro when you did? I got really disheartened after losing that London ABA final because I thought I won hands down. Also the England coaches promised that I’d be sent to the Commonwealth Youth Games in Delhi. I set my heart on that but they never sent me and never phoned to explain why not.
Towards the end, I was training every day yet only getting a couple of bouts a season and winning ‘em easily. Mickey May was like a dad to me so there was no way I could box in another club’s colours. It was always my ambition to go pro eventually so after chats with Mickey May and Jimmy Tibbs I turned.
Tell us about your back up team: I’m managed by Dean Powell, promoted by Frank Warren Promotions and trained by Mark and Jimmy Tibbs. Jimmy works more on my technical ability and oversees the final couple of weeks sparring. He’s got so much knowledge and experience to pass down. He’s a disciplinarian, and, though he’s 65, he can still be heard when he wants to be heard. It’s best to listen carefully and get things right first time! Mark’s more scientific. He takes care of my nutrition and strength work, builds me up physically.
What’s your training schedule? Which parts do you most and least enjoy? I have a week off to recover after each fight but I’m pretty much in the gym constantly, keeping fit. I train six days a week, resting on Sunday. I start work with the plumbing at 7.30 and my boss gives me a couple of hours off to train in the middle of the day.
I get to the TKO at 11. After wrapping my hands, I get warm by stretching and jogging round the gym. I’ll do four to six rounds shadow boxing or maybe six rounds sparring, maybe three on the bags or pads, then strength and conditioning with Mark; body weights, press-ups, sit ups. Some days I feel I can’t go back to work but I have to for financial reasons. After finishing work at five, I’ll run six miles, four days a week. Sometimes I’m so shattered I’ll be asleep by eight o’clock.
I most enjoy sparring. It’s closest to the actual fight. I move around with Kevin Mitchell, Colin Lynes, Peter McDonagh, even Billy Joe. I feel free and can practise my manoeuvres and shots. Least enjoyable is having to watch my weight.
Describe your style? What are your best qualities? I’ve always been a box-fighter; can box when I want, fight when I want. I had a pro style as an amateur, was never really one for the long shots. I move my head well and I love to throw hooks to the body. I like to think I’m quite cute, close up, with the hooks and uppercuts. Though I’ve not scored a stoppage in five pro fights so far, I stopped every opponent when I won the NABCs.
Lately, my long range has been improving. I’ve realised I’ve got a jab. I’m only 5ft 7(in) but I’ve got really long arms, apparently.
What specifically do you need to work on to fully optimise your potential as a fighter? There’s room to improve in all areas but, most crucially, I need to mature physically before I can fight at championship level. I’ve not hit my man strength yet. I’m only just beginning to get muscle definition.
What have you found to be the biggest difference between the pro and amateur codes? I feel far more comfortable in the pros. You’ve more time to compose yourself. In the amateurs they can run away for three rounds but, over six or more, you’re able to put more thought and power into your shots, especially with the tiny gloves. Also, without the headguard, those journeymen are always trying to butt you and rough you up!
Who is the best opponent that you’ve shared a ring with? Colin Lynes is an old warhorse in sparring but, in a contest, I’d have to say John Quigley of Liverpool (brother of pros Tony and Nick) who I beat in the Junior ABA quarter final. He was an awkward southpaw, arms everywhere, but I really rate him.
All time favourite fighter: Sugar Ray Robinson. Tremendous all-rounder. Great speed, power and movement.
All time favourite fight: Castillo-Corrales I. Corrales had the granny bashed out of him but still got up to stop him. Amazing.
Which current match would you most like to see made? Brandon Rios against Marcos Maidana. Both big punchers. I doubt it would go past two rounds but there’d be plenty of action.
What is your routine on fight day? I’ll be in bed around eight the night before and I’ll have at least 12 hours sleep. I get up around nine, have a little walk, then spend the rest of the day back in bed, watching films and chilling out. Living at home, I always have my family around me and try to stay level headed.
If in London, Mark Tibbs will pick me up around 5ish and we’ll head to the venue. Then, in the changing rooms, everything just kicks into place. I drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated and get my hands wrapped. I’m pretty good with the nerves. The worst that can happen is you get beat.
Entrance music: For this one, it’ll be ‘Bubbles’. There’ll be a big East End following in there and I still wear the claret and blue in respect of my amateur club
What are your ambitions as a boxer? Right now, not to lose. I’m happy just to develop and improve and I don’t set timescales. I’ve a great team behind me and they’ll know when I’m ready for titles. Ultimately, I’d like to fight at world level. If I stay motivated, I believe I can have a future there.
How do you relax? Just chill with friends. Play a little bit of snooker.
Football team: Arsenal but I’ve been to see West Ham more often.
Read: Boxing News, Boxing Monthly and boxing books. At the minute, I’m reading David Haye’s autobiography.
Music: Hip-hop and house.
Films/TV: I like comedy or horror films. I love all the Saw movies. On TV, I watch Only Fools and Horses plus Two and a Half Men.
Aspiration in life: To own a plumbing and gas firm and get into property. That’s what I’m putting all my boxing money into.
Motto: ‘Always look on the bright side of life!’ Got it from Mickey May.
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