Ben Day back in action with new trainer in the corner
Unbeaten light-welterweight, Ben 'The Entertainer' Day 5(1)-0-1 is due to take on Portsmouth’s Ben Kneller 0-1(1)-0 at London’s York Hall on December 13th in his first six round contest on the undercard of the Goodwin Promotion’s season finale, ‘It’s Go Time’, featuring six title fights.
The entertaining Euston-based boxer, originally from Teignmouth, Devon is looking to bounce back from his previous result against Paul Haines that ended with a draw at the Camden Centre in Kings Cross in September last year.
Day had been due to fight already this year but never actually got the chance to compete due to an assortment of disappointments and setbacks; the London business owner commented, “Yeah, what happened previously was that I had a few setbacks – one opponent was too heavy, then I got a new promoter in Steve Goodwin but my opponent from Europe didn't get on the aeroplane! Obviously I had sold all my tickets for the last fight so it’s disappointing, but Steve Goodwin has helped out with that.”
He optimistically continued, “They tried to get me on another show but I had a much needed holiday already booked and I’m finally on this show on December 13th. I’m a firm believer that behind every misfortune is an opportunity, and that is even written on the wall in my gym.”
Day is the proud owner of a boxing club in the heart of London named Ringtone Boxing Gym which offers classes to all levels of boxing skills and backgrounds.
On his future opponent, Ben Kneller, he remarked, “I don’t know a lot about him. I know his record but records don’t always mean anything; my last opponent had lost all nine of his pro fights but he was really good.”
“The journeymen that I’ve fought always try harder against me because they think they can win. I’m 36 with no boxing background so they think they can come in and nick a win off me. I’ve only had eight fights altogether whereas a prospect has had countless amateurs and then pro bouts, so they will tuck up against their opponent, try not to get hurt and just get through the fight,” he explained.
The aforementioned change in the management has given Day a boost in the pro game which has worked to alleviate the frustrations of his ring absence lasting well over a year, last performing in September 2013.
The light-welterweight known for having a flamboyant style of boxing said, “I’m training with Alec Wilkey now and this is the first time I’ve ever had a trainer – I managed to get to six fights unbeaten without ever having a trainer, but I have nothing but praise for my conditioning coach Mark Rahaman who got me through it at that time. My new trainer has got me sitting on my shots more and my style has changed, I’ve calmed down a bit, I feel more comfortable, and I’m technically better. In the past I’ve had my chin in the air, swinging shots but the technical work has paid off.”
On his new trainer, Alec Wilkey, Day heaped on the praise, “He puts so much time into us lads, he has us all round his house for breakfast, gets us up and out for the Sunday morning sprints – he’s really great.” Day also paid tribute to his former promoter, “I’m very thankful for Mickey Helliet who gave me my start in boxing.”
On signing with Goodwin Promotions, the affable boxing star commented, “I’m really excited to be signed with the Goodwins who are on-the-up, especially with their new connection with Matchroom Boxing and The Fight Pass. I also have a very good relationship with Kevin Campion, who is Steve's right hand man.”
“I want to give boxing everything. I’m always walking around at 10st 2lbs, no matter what I do so I have no problem making the weight. My gym is buzzing, it’s steady and running itself, so now I can concentrate on my boxing.”
Day look ahead to the New Year stating, “I could be looking at titles in the New Year with a bit more experience behind me. However it’s difficult for me because the gym is so busy at the start of the year, it’s hard for me to say how much I’ll be out but I’d like to be out as much as possible during 2015, if all goes to plan.”
Day confidently concluded, “If I get through the six-rounder in December comfortably then I’ll look to go further with an eight-rounder, and my eyes are set on a British Masters soon then hopefully the Southern Area and the ultimate goal is the British – the title that everyone in boxing wants.”
The action-packed show, ‘It’s Go Time’ will be broadcast live on Matchroom TV’s ‘The Fight Pass’ and features 16 schedule fights including six title fights and a fantastic undercardwith many talented prospects such as Ricky Hatton’s protégé, Anthony Upton appearing. An exciting clash for the vacant Southern Area Super-Featherweight title sees ‘Saint’ George Jupp take on Craig Poxton in an arguably evenly-matched 50-50 encounter – one to savour.
‘The Natural’ Larry Ekundayo has his biggest fight to date going for a notable title over ten rounds with opponent and details still to be confirmed. One half of the Evangelou brothers, Andreas ‘The Ace’ defends his International Masters light-heavyweight title over ten rounds.
Possibly the most tantalising of fights on the menu, Peckham’s Johnny Garton has his first major title fight at welterweight against Adam Battle vying for the vacant BBBofC Southern Area welterweight title over ten rounds.
‘The Green Machine’ Kevin Greenwood makes the first defence of his International Masters Bronze super-middleweight title. Unbeaten Rakeem ‘The Noble’ Ashaye has his first title fight when he takes on Lewis O’Mara from Portsmouth for the British Masters Bronze light-welterweight title.
The show also sees the return of Ryan ‘Crash Bang’ Taylor after a years absence from the square ring. This exciting young fighter moves up to welterweight for a six round International contest. Three exciting cruiserweights appear in Jose ‘The Look’ Lopes trained by Don Charles as the 24-year-old enters his second paid contest following an impressive debut outing last October with a points win over Moses Matovu. Former K1 champion, Adam Hart makes his debut as a professional boxer in a contest against the tough Paul Morris.
Lastly, ‘The General’ Aji Sharif looks for his fourth straight victory over Imantus Davidaitis in an attempt to round off his first full year in the paid ranks. Leon McKenzie has his first fight since signing with the Goodwin’s as he takes on Mark Till in a six round challenge.
Former star amateur, Josh Kennedy from Folkestone makes his pro bow in a four round super-featherweight contest.
Last, but by no means least, comes the brothers collectively known as ‘The Upton Clan’ trained by former world champion, Ricky Hatton. The trio from Hatton’s Manchester gym all fight on the same night for a second time in two months following their participation in Goodwin’s October show at the York Hall.
Antony Upton looks to continue the impetus set so far in his career with six straight wins and two KO’s coming in just 12 short months. The exciting light-welterweight has fought in three different countries and taken every round from the judges’ scorecards in the process – one to watch. Sonny Upton aims to bounce back from his disappointing loss last October at the York Hall to Gary Cooper. The 25-year-old light-middleweight was bizarrely waived off by referee Reece Carter in the first round without real cause to be. He goes up against Dee Mitchell over four rounds.
Eldest brother of the fighting trio, Paul Upton features in a four round middleweight contest against Duane Green whose name is already printed on his ledger after a shut-out points win last October at the same venue in what was his second pro fight.
For tickets to the show call 07816 823 586 or visit http://ringtoneboxinggym.com/ As well as standard, unreserved and reserved ringside tickets there are also VIP tickets priced at £100 which includes a guaranteed reserved ringside seat in rows one and two together with a free private bar from 5pm until 7.30pm with food snacks included. To follow Ben Day on Twitter click here @benday32
Ben would like to thank his sponsors; Ringtone Boxing Gym and PR Manager Tim Rickson