Q & A with Stephen Smith

The KO finish

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Fighting Talk with Derry Matthews

B: Hi Derry. Thanks for agreeing to this interview.  

At the moment everybody is talking about the next Prize Fighter which you are taking part in. Many are saying features the best line up so far. How has training been going for this?

 DM: Training has been great so far. I’m getting some great sparring in early with the lads at Morrison’s gym so I am grateful for them for helping me out. 

B: How do you adapt the way you train and prepare for a tournament like Prizefighter, if at all?

 DM: It helps that have been in it before and know how hard it is physically and mentally. You have got to get out the blocks fast on fight night and that's something I am working on with Danny Vaughan. 

B: Who would you most like to fight in a Prizefighter final from that bill and why?

 DM: Steven Jennings. Me and him have always been mates and we had a great fight in Liverpool.  It was a war and both sets of fans loved it. I think over three rounds he's one of the ones I have got to watch in Prizefighter. Also Nathan Brough - me and him grew up together. My mum is pally with his mum; we boxed as the same amateur club and were England roommates. He's a also got the same strength coach as me so it will be crazy if we meet early in the tournament but that's why we love boxing for these big nights.

B: Can you outline a typical training day in camp?  

DM:  A typical day of training is always different for me for Prizefighter. We’re using a lot of track work.  My weight is good so I don't need long runs. In the gym I train for 2 hours plus work on my boxing, do plenty of sparring and am doing loads of core work my trainer Danny Vaughan who always has a plan for me. 

B: What aspects of training camp do you most enjoy / hate?

DM:  I love all sorts of training - you never stop learning in boxing.  I hate being away from my girl and my kids while I am in training camp but it makes me more determined to win things and train harder.

Derry Training

B: How would you best describe yourself as a fighter?

DM: Someone who's loves a good fight; always wants to please the crowd and just a normal lad who loves the banter.

B: You have fought in a variety of halls and arenas. What has been your favourite and why?

DM: I love the Olympia had some great nights in there. To this day I am the only person to sell it out twice with world title fights with John Simpson and Marsilli. 

B: Are you sponsored yet? If you work, how do you balance that with your training needs?

DM: Yeah I’m one of the lucky lads who has had good sponsors over the years. Fake Bake and Abbey Logistics are my main sponsors and Base Communications are also good to me. 

B: How did you first become involved in boxing?

DM:  I lived next door to the Salisbury ABC boxing club, famously known as ‘the Solly’. That’s where I learned my trade and it’s still to this day the best club in Britain.

B: What decided you to turn pro?

DM: I won the senior ABA title stopping 5 out of 6 opponents and never got picked for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Stephen Vaughan approached me with a deal to work with his dad George Vaughan who everyone in Liverpool would love to work with and I jumped at the chance! 

B: Which boxers have inspired you most in your boxing career and style?

DM: I loved Naz and Barrera and am also a massive Mike Tyson fan - I got him to attend my boxing academy in Liverpool without telling anyone. He turned up and spent 2 hours talking to the kids. It was a special day for me to see the smile on the kids faces when he walked in. 

B: I can imagine! How do you mentally prepare for a fight? Do you have any last-minute habits or rituals?

DM: No. When I train, if I do everything right I won't need to worry. I also say a prayer in the changing rooms to the people I have lost in my life; my nan; my best mate Craig etc. 

B: What would you say are your greatest strengths as a boxer?

DM: I am a clever boxer who can punch very, very hard!

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of starting boxing?

DM: Train hard and believe in yourself and you will do well 

B: Who has been your toughest opponent in your boxing career so far and why?

DM: Choi! He physically and mentally destroyed me - but I got one back on him on Prizefighter.

Choi Tsveenpurev v Derry Matthews II Round 2

B: What has been your most frustrating moment as a boxer?

DM: Losing my world title. I was a young boy at the time but now am a man. 

B: How do you feel social networking such as twitter or Facebook, can help a boxer with his career? 

DM: Twitter is brilliant. it enables us to socialise with the fans and lets them see how a fighter lives and the stuff he has to go through. If anyone would like to follow me, my twitter is @derrymathews23.

B: Who would you most like to fight at this time in your career and why?

DM: It’s got to be Ricky Burns! He's the man at the top. It’d be stupid not wanting to fight him. I want to fight the best and I believe he is the best. Being world champion, he's proving it.

B: So what’s next after Prizefighter? Any plans?

DM: Just let's see what Prizefighter brings. I have spoke to Eddie Hearn about the future. If I win Prizefighter, it opens the doors again. One thing I do know is I am never in a dull fight and will fight anyone, anywhere. I have proved that!

B: Before signing off is there anything you would like to say to your supporters?

DM: I just want to say thanks for the support. It's been a great journey - long may it continue. I have a great fan base in Liverpool. They follow me everywhere I just want to thank them also. If anybody else reading this has just set up I have my own gym in Liverpool and they’re always welcome to come down to train or look in. I am just in middle of getting a amateur club. I want to give something back to the sport that as been good to me - thanks team dirty 

B: Thanks again, Derry I hope some people take you up on that offer and learn from what you can offer. It’s been great talking to you and thanks for the time you have taken out of your busy schedule to grant this interview. Can I just wish you the best of luck in your future, in and out of the boxing ring.

Scott Jenkins v Radoslav Mitev

Scott Jenkins v Radoslav Mitev in 4 x 3 minute round lightweight bout.

Boxing from the DoubleTree Hotel, Sheffield on 26 April 2012.

Boxing from the card at the DoubleTree hotel, Sheffield, featuring a middleweight bout between Adam Etches and Borsilav Zankov, a lightweight bout between Scott Jenkins and Radoslav Mitev and a bantamweight bout between Jason Cunningham and Anwar Alfadli.

Ice Baths as an aid to Recovery

ICE BATHS AS AN AID TO RECOVERY

In simple terms, it's about helping the muscles, tendons, bones, nerves and all the different tissues used in sport recover from their workout.

Just like Michael Schumacher's car needs a complete overhaul with new parts and tyres after a Formula One race, the body needs to service itself and its parts for the next day, next race or next match.

The body does this with the help of the blood vessels that bring oxygen to the tissues and remove the waste products of exercise, the most common being lactic acid.

Too much lactic acid build up can cause the muscles to function poorly and over a long period of time feelings of fatigue, heavy legs and general tiredness can set in.

So how do ice baths help to boost the body's recovery processes and prevent injury?

The Scientific Theory

The theory behind ice baths is related the fact that intense exercise actually causes microtrauma, or tiny tears in muscle fibers. This muscle damage not only stimulates muscle cell activity and helps repair the damage and strengthen the muscles ( muscle hypertrophy), but it is also linked with delayed onset muscle pain and soreness (DOMS) , which occurs between 24 and 72 hours after exercise.

 The ice bath is thought to:

• Constrict blood vessels and flush waste products, like lactic acid, out of the affected tissues
• Decrease metabolic activity and slow down physiological processes
• Reduce swelling and tissue breakdown

Then, with rewarming, the increased blood flow speeds circulation, and in turn, improves the healing process. Although there is no current protocol regarding the ideal time and temperature for cold immersion routines, most athletes or trainers who use them recommend a water temperature between 12 to 15 degrees Celsius and immersion times of 5 to 10 and sometimes up to 20 minutes.

So, while that’s the theory behind the cold water immersion for exercise recovery, conclusive research about the pros, cons and ideal time and temperatures is still a ways off.

The Scientific Research

Of the studies that have looked at the effects of ice baths, cold water immersion and contrast water therapy on exercise recovery and muscle soreness, most offer inconclusive or contradictory findings.

One study from the July 2008 issue of the International Journal of Sports Medicine found cold water immersion and contrast water therapy may help recovery from short maximal efforts, or during events like stage races where athletes repeat high-intensity efforts on successive days. In this study, researchers had cyclists complete a week of intense daily training routines. After each workout, they used one of four different recovery methods and took nine days off between each week of workouts.

The four recovery methods included:

1. Immersion in a 15 degree C (59 degree F) pool for 14 minutes;
2. Immersion in 38 degree C (100.4 degree F) water for 14 minutes;
3. Alternating between cool and hot water every minute for 14 minutes;
4. 14 minutes of complete rest.

They reported that the cyclists performed better in the sprint and time trial after cool water immersion and contrast water therapy, but their performance declined with both hot water baths and complete rest.

Another study published in the 2007 British Journal of Sports Medicine found that ice-water immersion offered no real benefit and, in fact, may increase post-exercise muscle soreness after heavy weight training. In this study the researchers compared 1-min immersions in either an ice bath (5 degrees Celsius) or a tepid bath (24 degrees Celsius) following an intense workout.

They found that the athletes who used the ice baths reported no difference in physical pain measurements such as swelling or tenderness. The athletes did, however, report more leg pain the following day, when going from a sitting to a standing position than those who had the tepid water bath treatment. According to the researchers, "Ice-water immersion offers no benefit for pain, swelling, isometric strength and function, and in fact may make more athletes sore the next day."

In 2007, a study from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research looked at the effect of contrast water therapy on delayed onset muscle soreness after intense leg press exercise. They found a smaller reduction, and faster restoration, of strength and power in athletes using contrast water therapy than those using passive recovery.

Real World Recommendations

It's clear that more research is needed before a real conclusion can be made, but so far the information that is available indicates the following:

• Cold water immersion after a hard workout won't hurt and may, in fact, help recovery.
• Alternating Cold water and warm water baths (contract water therapy) may also help athletes recover.
• Ice baths are not necessary; cold water baths (24 degrees Celsius) are as good and perhaps better, than ice baths.
• Active recovery may be as good as cold water immersion for exercise recovery.
• Passive recovery is not an effective way to recover.
• Hot baths after hard exercise may decrease recovery time.

Cold Water Therapy - How to Do It

Cold Water Immersion 
If you are going to try cool or cold water immersion after exercise, don't overdo it. Ten minutes immersed in 15 degree Celsius water should be enough time to get the benefit and avoid the risks. Because cold can make muscles tense and stiff, it's a good idea to fully warm up about 30 to 60 minutes later with a warm shower or a hot drink.

Contrast Water Therapy (Hot-Cold Bath)
If you prefer alternating hot and cold baths, the most common method includes one minute in a cold tub (10-15 degrees Celsius) and two minutes a hot tub (about 37-40 degrees Celsius), repeated about 3 times.

Whether the science supports the ice bath theory or not, many athletes swear that an ice bath after intense training helps them recover faster, prevent injury and just feel better.

DO'S and DON'TS

• DO: Be conservative with water temperature as you get started. Most rehabilitation specialists recommend a water temperature between 54-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider starting a bit higher and inch this downward a degree or two each exposure.
• DO: Recognize that each individual will have his or her own cold threshold. Play within your personal comfort zone, and consider investing in booties (toe warmers made of wetsuit material) as your toes are likely the most sensitive body part to be submerged.
• DON'T: Overexpose! At the recommended temperature range above, 6-8 minutes should be sufficient. Unless supervised or you have history with ice baths, do not exceed 10 minutes.
• DON'T: Assume colder is better. Spending a prolonged period of time in water colder than 54 degrees could be dangerous.
• DO: Be aware that moving water is colder water. Much like the wind chill created when you ride, if there are jets in your ice bath and the water that is warmed at the skin's surface gets pushed away, the resulting impact of the water will be cooler than measured by the thermometer.
• DON'T: Assume 54-60 degrees or bust. Cool water (say, 60-75 degrees) can still be beneficial -- as can active recovery (very light exercise to facilitate blood flow to musculature)
• DO: Seek to simplify. Building a personal ice bath daily can be a daunting task. Look for a gym that has a cold plunge, or if you live close to a river, lake or the ocean, keep tabs on the current water temperature.
• DON'T: Rush to take a warm shower immediately after the ice bath. The residual cooling effect and gradual warming are ideal. Consider initial warming options of a sweatshirt, blanket and/or warm drink... but DO take the shower if you are unable to warm yourself.

The Big Bang - The Aftermath

As the dust settles on one of the biggest explosions of boxing talent seen for some time, I talk to Tony Bellew about his impressions of the 'Big Bang' event

B: First of all, thanks again for agreeing to this interview. You were confident from the start. What was your plans for the fight? 

TB: First of all thank you for the kind comments.

I'm always confident in my ability and the way I prepare leaves me with zero doubts come fight night.
I had prepared as if it was a world title fight like I do for all my fights, people have to realise I give this game 110%!!
My coaches demand it , and  they expect it so by fight time I'm ultra confident and fully believe I'm going to put in a great performance .
Add to that my coaches had studied Danny thoroughly and came up with a great game plan .
Well 3 game plans if I'm being honest.
Since returning back home to train at The Rotunda in Liverpool I've become a much  better professional in every way possible.

B: Did any aspect of Danny's performance surprise you?

TB: Not really, he tried everything we anticipated, he tried to box ,he tried to fight and he ended up trying to run but he was found out on every aspect. I said before the fight I was ready for whatever Danny McIntosh had planned. I meant it and it showed IMHO.

B: He had a lot of problems with his gum shield. Ill fitting gum shield or stalling technique in your opinion?

TB: Bit of both when it come to the gum shield I think he may have spat it out and I physically took it out his mouth a few times to be fair to him.

He should be fighting with a properly fitted dentist gum shield to be honest. I’m happy he was not hurt due to an improper fit.

B: You set out to make a statement and every tweet I have read on twitter agrees with me that you certainly did. What now?

TB: I'm hoping that win makes me mandatory challenger for the European title. I've defeated the former European Champion in devastating fashion so if that doesn't make me mandatory then I don't know what will.

B: After the fight, Nathan Cleverly tweeted that the fight between you two has to happen. Do you believe it will?

TB: I've been asking for the rematch since the after post fight presser.

I was promised if it’s close in any way shape or form then we would have an immediate rematch.

Do fights get much closer than that?

However I’ve moved on to new and tougher challengers and I’m not fighting number 83 in the World?

I would also state that I have never been offered the re match at all.   

Basically I've kept my profile alive with my twitter account and by a great following of Evertonians.

B: The event itself was a great night and the atmosphere must've been incredible. Can you sum up what it felt like to get that wave of support from your fans?

TB: I'll be totally honest I still can't get my head round the fact that people pay to come and see me fight.

I understand friends and family but for people who don't know me to pay to see me fight it's humbling and truly unbelievable. 

I'm blessed to have the chance to fight in the Echo Arena, I don't wanna call people fans cos basically I'm a nobody, so I'd just prefer to call them people that pay to watch me, extended family & friends.. 

The feeling I get I can't really describe it makes the hairs on your neck stand up! 

Like I say I'm humbled and blessed and I can't thank them all enough.

B: Ha, you’re hardly a nobody in today’s boxing scene, Tony. Can you tell us something about your training camp?

TB: The only way to describe training camp is BRUTAL!! 

What I will say is having Joe Selkirk alongside me helped me massively it really did, he is so supremely talented it's unreal!

Having him joining the team and working with me has been a breath of fresh air .

I’m like many fighters -  very moody in camp and I'm not a good person to be around, sometimes I snap and I'm blessed to have Mick, Mark, Gary and my Dad around me cos without that team around me I'm nothing .

I rise at 05:30am for running work- then to the gym for boxing work  11-2 then onto strength & conditioning for 3-4:30/5 so it's long hard days and I give 110% every time too.. 

B: Having watched the fight back, how do you feel about your own performance and is there anything you still want to work on?

TB: Most definitely there are things to work on, I'm far from the finished article, I'm learning everyday and I really mean that, when I came home from Manchester (Farnells gym) no disrespect but I had to start all over again.

I had zero defence, was eating right hands and was trying to imitate Floyd Mayweather.

As much as I admire the money man, make no mistake he is a one off.

I was not fighting to my strengths

I'm 6ft 3, and I was  throwing 20 punch combos on the pads without moving .

I mean is someone gonna stand in front of me and say strike me?

No chance! 

When I came home to Mick & Mark I went back to basics and it took a long time to sink in.

Like I always say I'm not the most talented but I'll be surprised if you find someone who works harder than me believe that.

B: Danny surprised everyone by failing to appear at the presser. What are your views on that?

TB: You know what it's water under the bridge, I just think Danny decided to lose the last bit of weight in the comforts of where he'd been living so who am I to tell him off for doing that ? 

I really like Danny McIntosh if the truth be known, he's a good kid and funny.

I'm just happy the show was a success and that everyone left happy.

B: You were supported by a great array of boxing talent and the night was a true celebration of the sport. Can you see Liverpool getting more such events in the future?

TB: Most definitely. The show Frank Maloney is putting on in Liverpool is amazing it really is. 

I could sell 100 tickets for that and I'm not even fighting . 

With 6 title fights  it really is commendable .

The jobs the likes of Matchroom and Coldwell Promotions are doing also deserve props , Kell Brook selling out arenas speaks for itself .

Liverpool is definitely capable of this .

The more fights that are made that capture the imagination the better, a good fight will sell no matter where you put it so it's basically down to fighters manning up and promoters believing in there fighters .

I'd love to see promoters working together like Dave & Eddie just did, they were both a pleasure to deal with fight night .

I say this with great urgency, boxing needs to become transparent and  the welfare of the boxer made paramount .

I commend anyone in boxing who is honest and transparent cos at the end of the day you can then take them on there word .

I've gone a bit off track there sorry, as for Liverpool boxing I mean look at it, Pricey,Edwards,Selkirk,Smiths,Derry,Butler,Dickens,Williams,Brough I could go on and on.. Liverpool boxing is here and it's here to stay this time and that makes me :-)

B: Finally a question about David Coldwell who made he whole event possible. What are your views on the event and he man who breathed life into it.

TB: Well I can't praise Dave Coldwell enough, people don't know this but promoters were not keen on signing me at first, people said I was lazy and I would never make 175lbs.

Mick Hennesey approached me first and then some others but it wasn't until I went to Dave Coldwells gym and sparred with John Anthony that things started to happen for me .

I sparred 6 rounds and Dave Coldwell and I chatted for a while after it .

I told him my desire to go Pro and asked how a fighter in Liverpool could make inroads with a promoter.

I heard nothing back, then out of the goodness of his heart Dave Coldwell called Frank Warren, they spoke for about 10 mins and the word Dave used to describe me was "Frank, this kid is a tv fighter" 

I couldn't believe someone was talking to Frank Warren about me in this way.

An hour later I had Dean Powell on the phone, 2 days later I was in an office with Frank and signed with him that day.

Some turn around it was, it was all down to Dave Coldwell .  I owe him so, so much cos he got me the start and he put his neck on the line for me, that is the kind of person Dave is, he's one of the first people I call and can confide in he really is. 

He'll be a lifelong friend and he s someone who is good for boxing. 

He is honest, transparent and just an all round great guy, what you see is what you get with Dave Coldwell. If boxing had more Dave Coldwells it would be a better place that is for sure..

B: I have to agree. He is in tune with boxing fans as well as boxers and has time for everyone. A great guy.

Once again thanks for the interview, Tony. I'm sure it's going to be onwards and upwards now and I hope well see you n action soon. Meantime, I guess you are looking forward to some rest and family time.

TB: My plane has just touched down as I finish this interview so yeah family time it is.. Thank you for your support it really is appreciated.

See you all again soon.