Ringnews24.com: Why did you decide to turn professional now at twenty-one? Did you not think about aiming for the next Olympics in Rio, for example?
For me, it was a pretty easy decision to make. In the senior ABAs – where you go through the process of trying to get picked for England – I had a few unlucky decisions go against me. There was also some discussion over whether I was fighting at the right weight class and stuff like that. Like I remember losing a really bad decision in a fight I had for the area belt and just thought I wasn’t getting any decisions go my way so I’d might as well turn pro instead of wasting another year or whatever in the seniors at amateur level and get a few pro fights under my belt and earn some money.
Ringnews24.com: Would you say you’re more suited to the professional ranks than the amateur ranks?
Yeah, I would. I’m really naturally fit and feel I’m better over more rounds than I am in shorter fights like those at amateur level. I like to counter a lot, I’m slick, hard to hit flush, quite slippery. I’m definitely a boxer’s boxer rather than a fighter.
 |
| Anthony sparring Olympian Savannah Marshall |
Ringnews24.com: Did you try any other sports before boxing?
I was captain of all the school teams when I was younger in junior school; I excelled at every sport back then. But once I started boxing that was it; that was the only sport I was interested in. I found I had more focus and drive for boxing than any other sport. I knew from a young age this is how I wanted to make a living.
Ringnews24.com: You’re trained by Peter Cope. Does he think you need improving on many things or does he think you just need to gain some professional experience?
Ringnews24.com: You make your professional debut on 7th July at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. How is your preparation going?
It’s going brilliant. I’m the fittest and strongest I’ve ever been. My trainers Peter Cope and Alan Temple have really been working on my strength and conditioning and my diet is good too. I’ve been doing a lot of sparring with the likes of Bradley Saunders; He’s a really good boxer and it’s been really good for my preparation. I’ve also been sparring Gary Fox; he held the lightweight Northern Area title. I’ve also sparred Mark Clauzel; he fought James DeGale in the amateurs.
Ringnews24.com: Have you sparred in other gyms across the country?
No, not yet. But I’m planning on going to Sheffield to the Ingle Gym at some point in the near future.
Ringnews24.com: Are you a Sunderland fan?
No, I’m a Newcastle fan. [Laughs]
Honestly, a few people have asked me that. But to be honest, I’m really happy about it. It’s a good stadium to make my pro debut in. I’m just looking at it from a boxing perspective and just happy to be making my debut in such a big venue and in front of so many fans. I’d love to fight at St James Park one day though; it would be a dream come true.
 |
| Click on photo for ticket information |
Ringnews24.com: Does the Stadium of Light host many boxing shows?
It’s the third one I know of in recent years. I went to the last one and it was a really good show.
Ringnews24.com: Do you know who your opponent will be?
Yeah, Matt Seawright.
Ringnews24.com: I always do my homework. Matt is a tough guy to make your debut against. Fought 86 times, been 377 rounds as a pro, and been in against a lot of known fighters in Britain. Are you anticipating a tough debut?
Yeah, he’s fought a lot of good lads along the way. I won’t be taking him lightly. He’s rarely been stopped too. But I see it as a case of me having the attributes to beat him. I don’t take any opponents lightly.
Ringnews24.com: You don’t have a Boxrec page yet, so what are your fighting attributes e.g. height, reach etc.?
I’m about 5ft11 and a half, I’ve got a long reach, and a strong jab.
Ringnews24.com: What weight will you be fighting at, are you comfortable at the weight, and do you think a move up in weight could be on the cards sooner rather than later?
I’ve been growing into a welterweight but I’m going to try to make light welterweight for this fight. I do have to work really hard to make it to this weight [light welterweight] but I enjoy the hard work and feel better with myself making the weight. To be honest, there’s no rush to get to welterweight but at either weight I feel strong.
Ringnews24.com: Why do you think it’s better for you to fight at light welterweight with your big frame rather than perhaps trying a heavier weight class?
I’d rather be a giant at one weight really and have an advantage rather than be an average size fighter at a heavier weight. As long as I can keep making weight it makes sense to keep competing there for me.
Ringnews24.com: Do you know many other professional boxers and have they given you any advice?
 |
| Anthony sparring Bradley Saunders |
Well, I spar with Bradley Saunders every week. I can’t really say he gives me any advice exactly but he gives me a lot of tips when we’re sparring. Sparring him gives me a lot of motivation because he’s a top fighter and has already achieved a lot at amateur level and looking good at pro level too. Peter Cope (jr.), who I train alongside, is also undefeated. Simon Vallily won Gold at the last Commonwealth games; he’s just made his debut this year. We just all banter with each other and it’s all good motivation. I’m good friends with another welterweight called Paul Archer. We grew up together in the same gym.
Ringnews24.com: How many more fights would you like to have this year and have you set yourself any short or long term goals?
I’m looking to fight about six or seven times a year ideally. In terms of goals, I’d say by the time I’m twenty-five I want to be challenging for decent titles; the likes of the British title, English title, Area title… Obviously the British title is the big one. If I could be challenging for that in four years’ time I’d be very happy.
Ringnews24.com: What are the main differences between the amateur and pro game in your opinion?
I’d say you have to be really tough as a pro. I think a lot of amateurs rely a lot on technique whereas in the pro game it’s all about toughening up your body and your shots. Like I’ve had to really sit down on my punches a lot more as a pro. In the amateurs I’d say I was sharp but I’d get caught with shots which I think I would be trying to avoid more now as a pro. I also have to sell my own tickets now. It’s a tough game to get into.
Ringnews24.com: Do you feel any pressure to succeed or do you just feel that you can take everything one step at a time?
I’d be lying if I said there was no pressure. I did well in the amateurs and I’ve turned pro to succeed and I think people expect that from me, so I’ve got to deliver. I think people know my ability and that I can deliver if I try. So I feel I have to achieve that top standard of boxing every time. It’s good pressure in my opinion. It’s pressure that I turn into positive energy in fights.
Ringnews24.com: Do you have a boxing nickname?
Yeah, ‘The Hitman’. I was given that nickname at the age of ten.
Ringnews24.com: Do you watch boxing away from the ring?
Yeah, I always watch Ringside on Sky Sports and any boxing that’s on when I’m at home.
Ringnews24.com: Which fighters do you like?
I’m a big fan of Floyd Mayweather Jr; he’s got everything. I’d say my main inspiration for wanting to be a boxer was Prince Naseem Hamed. I used to love watching him fight when I was a kid. I didn’t know exactly what he was doing because that was early days for me, but I just loved the way he boxed and his whole persona. Mike Tyson was another one of my favourites.
Ringnews24.com: Which fights are you looking forward to?
Off the top of my head, I’d say I like the look of Mayweather-Alvarez. I think Mayweather wins but Alvarez could make it tough for him because he’s got that Mexican grit and determination. I still think Mayweather will have too much for him though just because we all know how good Mayweather can fight.
Ringnews24.com: What is the worst part of being a boxer in your opinion?
You’ve got to make a lot of sacrifices. For example, when the lads go away on holiday I can’t go with them, and I don’t get to see my girlfriend all the time. But you make up for it with the success and the pride you feel when it all works out for you. It’s not really bad though because like I say you make up for it by being successful. I’d say the worst thing is making weight; that can be difficult.
Ringnews24.com: If you had not become a boxer, do you know what you would have done?
I’d have tried my best at football. I quit playing football when I decided to go pro really to avoid getting injuries and stuff. I enjoyed playing football and would have given it a go.
Ringnews24.com: Do you have a message for the fans?
Keep following my progress. I’ll make sure I always entertain my fans because I’m that sort of fighter, and I guarantee them good fights. I appreciate all the support and you can follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthonyhardyboxing and Twitter: @Anth_Hardy11
Ringnews24.com: Thanks for talking to us Anthony and best of luck with your career.
