AFTER winning the Golden Belt tournament in Romania, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Antony Fowler will only have a brief break before returning to full training. The next season of the World Series of Boxing begins in January and with the UK team, the British Lionhearts included once again, Fowler and GBโs top boxers will have to condition themselves to prepare for five three-minute rounds in this pro-style format.
โFrom next Monday Iโm back training over Christmas. Itโll be hard sacrificing my Christmas but itโll be worth it when I box in the WSB,โ Antony told Boxing News. โWith the five rounds thatโll suit me more because I can take my time and I come on strong towards the end of fights.
โWeโll be doing longer runs, a little bit less sprints, more stamina. It wonโt be a massive difference, itโs only two rounds more but there will be a few little changes in my training.
โItโll be very, very hard. Weโll be doing longer rounds, maybe not at as an intense pace but more stamina, working longer rounds and sparring longer rounds. It is going to be hard. Itโs going to be hard on the body.
“In the three-round fights, the pace is relentless. Itโs a non-stop pace. In a five rounder, the first round Iโve got to look at them a bit more. Iโve got to pace myself. Iโve got to work behind my jab, not engage every single time I have to. I normally try and counter every single shot. Sometimes maybe have a step back and have a little breather.โ
The WSB is now a key route to reaching the next Olympic Games. Boxers can qualify through their individual WSB ranking and they will also be eligible for another qualification tournament later on. โIt was a great bonus. Weโve got home advantage now,โ Fowler said of the British Lionhearts. โThe lads who donโt qualify can enter that tournament and hopefully get a few more qualification spots.โ
Elite boxers will be showcased, with the Russians and Cubans also in the British teamโs group.
โIโm confident about beating anyone in the world. Iโm ranked fourth in the world. Iโm confident Iโll beat anyone,โ Antony said.
โI actually am genuinely excited about WSB. I wanted to go pro for ages but Iโve always stayed amateur for the Olympics. But this is like a chance for me to get a little bit of pro experience and a bit more glory, no headguards, no vest, professional style.โ
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