B: Hi Billy. Thanks for agreeing to this interview.
BM: You’re welcome anytime. Greatly appreciate the time spent interviewing me, and thank you for the tremendous support you have given me over the past few weeks leading up to the fight.
B: Not a problem at all. Glad to help if I ever can. Friday’s fight was your first 6 rounder. How did you find the move up from 4 rounds and which do you prefer?
BM: Yes, first 6 rounder under my belt. I enjoyed every minute of being in the ring, and love boxing so the longer I am in the ring the happier I am. I felt comfortable in there during the fight, felt I had 4 rounds already won so decided to change tactics and experiment with different boxing skills and show the crowd I am not a one dimensional fighter, I can box when I need to.
B: Everyone has a point of view about a fight but the one that matters is that of the fighter. How did you feel about your fight on 10th and why?
BM: I felt comfortable, I felt I had won every round and could feel my punching power has improved. First round was brilliant, I was relaxed and caught him with a peach of a right hook that wobbled him. Ten more seconds and the fight would have been stopped, unfortunately the bell rung, and to his credit Naylor recovered extremely well and came out fighting towards the end of the fight. Like I said previously, in the last 2 rounds I wanted to change tactics and get some experience in there.
B: You were on fire for the first four rounds, showing both speed and power and it was clear from your entrance that you meant business and then things slowed down in rounds 5 and 6. What went on there?
BM: Last two rounds my corner wanted me draw a right hand counter as my opponent threw his jab, I maybe tried to hard to find the counter punch as I felt if It landed it would have been lights out, but unfortunately it didn’t go to plan, but that’s part of boxing. A good fighter can change tactics during a fight and I am not afraid to do that.
B: How did you find the move to southpaw?
BM: I had been sparring really well with southpaws in the gym and to me fighting a southpaw is no different to fighting an orthodox fighter. I just relaxed myself more and concentrated more on my movement and the right hand lead. As I said I won all the 1st four rounds clear so that shows I handled the southpaw really well doesn’t it?
B: Well I think so, yes! I found the fight all it should be, skilled, focused, entertaining and exciting. You cut your eye in the fight. How did fighting with an injury effect your game?
BM: The cut was really late on in the fight so didn’t really affect me; however my opponent saw it as his only chance of winning by getting the cut to worsen. Thankfully I have great head movement and just rolled and slipped his shots effectively to a point he was missing in wide margins.
B: It was a great night for the London lads all round. What is it about you London guys that seems to produce champion material?
BM: We all push of each other in the gym, we all get along and really work hard together. A fighter will only go as far as he can push himself, but at the 'TKO' we all train hard and push one another. All helps us improve and we have great role models to look up to. London boxing’s on a high and give it a few years we will be back at the top with titles around our waists.
B: I can believe that. You seem to be well looked after by your gym. What are the advantages there?
BM: Like I mentioned the fighters all push one another in the gym and in sparring. The amount of sparring we have is great. Different styles, different sizes. This all helps fully prepare for any situation given on fight night, and as opponents can be drafted in late, with the variable sparring we have in the gym, no opponent is feared as we are all well prepared.
B: I believe you will soon be able to work self-employed in your plumbing work. How will that help your boxing training?
BM: That would help me massively. Im just undertaking my gas exams and in 3weeks time I will be a Gas safe engineer, so that will give me more time to work in the gym and more time focusing on my body needs, as rest is so important when preparing for a fight. But anyone out there wanting any plumbing or gas work done, then Im your man for the job.
B: Well now that you mention it... just joking, lol...Besides sparring for at least 6 rounds instead of 4, what other changes were needed to your training regime?
BM: I just pushed myself even harder. I put more time into my training; I ran more miles, done more sprints, increased my strength and conditioning work. Just completely increased every aspect of my training regime, but most importantly I look after my body, I eat the correct food, I let my body repair itself. You need to live the life in boxing otherwise you won’t go far.
B: Sounds like sense to me. How did you first become involved in boxing?
BM: I first got involved because my mate was a big lad and wanted to lose weight. He didn’t fancy going on his own so he asked if I would go with him. I was playing football at the time and just thought it would help my fitness levels for the football. After 6 weeks training my coach asked me if I would like to have a boxing fight and I just thought it would be a once in a lifetime thing I do. Turns out I loved it and haven’t looked back since then.
B: So boxing owes a big vote of thanks to your mate then. Who has been a great inspiration to your boxing career and style?
BM: My family. My parents have worked so hard throughout life just to support me and my three brothers. Whenever we wanted new trainers, next day they was there. A new game, next day it was there. The new football kit, next day it was there. My parents would go without just to keep us happy, we weren’t spoilt we greatly appreciated everything they gave us. My dad would work from 6am-6pm my mum would work 5am-7,30pm just to support us. My eldest two brothers would look after me whilst my parents were a work, and they never moaned when the going got tough. That’s why they motivate me, I see how hard they work and its pushes me on as I want to repay them for everything. They don’t own their own house or own their own cars but if I can support them financially and give them a world title I’d be more than happy. My mum and dad would both rush home to take me training, or if they couldn’t my brothers or their girlfriends would take me. If they could all give up their time for 6years for me, I can push myself and make them proud of what they helped me achieve.
B: How do you mentally prepare for a fight? Do you have any last-minute rituals?
BM: No last-minute rituals other than go for an hour walk and picture the fight in my head. I like to stretch my legs and get fresh air, get into fight mode really. I don’t believe in any last minute rituals as that plays on fighter’s minds. I think you need to just focus on the task ahead.
B: Can you outline a typical training day for Billy Morgan?
BM: I get up at 7am; walk my dogs before heading to work at 8am. I work from 8-11am before heading to the TKO gym at 11. I'll then train with Mark and Jimmy up till 1.30-2pm, whatever Jim and Mark has in store for me in the gym. After that I'll go back to work, till 6-7pm before going out on my run. I'll finish running about 8.30, then its home, shower, dinner then bed. If I could get a sponsor or work self-employed I’m sure my day could become a lot easier and focus more on the training side of my day.
B: I can see how it would make life more manageable. Maybe someone out there will be interested in taking up that offer. What would you say are your greatest strengths as a boxer?
BM: My greatest strengths? I wouldn’t know, I don’t really like to think about myself or comment on myself if I’m honest. I would say I have good head movement and have fast hands, other than that I’ll leave it to the fans and boxing writers to answer that question.
B: Fair enough! Personally I think your dedication to the sport is a great strength in such as tough sport. What advice would you give to anyone thinking of starting boxing with regard to choosing a gym?
BM: To give it your all, Boxing’s not a sport where you are both just participating, if you’re not fully prepared you’re going to get hurt. Don’t cut corners, be honest with yourself and give it 100%.
B: Every Prospect likes to think of themselves as a future champion. What do you bring to the table that makes this dream a reality?
BM: I won’t give in, when the going gets tough, I get tougher. No matter how many people criticise me or tell me I won’t make it, it makes me more determined to prove them wrong. I don’t kid myself, I prepare for every fight as if it’s a world title fight, I never under-estimate anybody and I’ll push myself 120% day in, day out just to make my dream a reality. I dream of fighting for the world title at the 02 arena, that’s what pushes me, seeing my fans happy and all their comments. I love my fans and I promise you this now, I will thank them with a world title. I’m not in there just for me but my whole family, friends and support. It’s for all Team Morgan.
B: Well said, man. What is your philosophy you live and train by?
BM: Always look on the bright side of life, no matter how hard life gets there is always a bright side to it. And with regard to my training, its 'cheaters never prosper'. Most truthful quote my trainers told me at the age of 10.
B: Whats your ambition in boxing and what do you plan to achieve it?
BM: I’m gonna be a world champion, believe me when I say this, if I don’t win a world title I have failed. I will push myself to the limit until I have reached my goal and that’s to be world champion. I will never give up on my dream.
Billy vs Marc Callaghan (other fights featuring Billy Morgan can also be found on this blog). Also check out my review of this talented young prospect in my new 'HOT PROSPECT' series.
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