Panel: If you could be in training camp with three boxers, past or present, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?

Latest
Letters Premium

American boxer Cassius Clay (now Muhammad Ali) in training for his world title fight against Sonny Liston of the USA at Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Harry Benson/Getty Images)

This week’s panellists were asked to name the three boxers with whom they would like to share a training camp

Paul Butler (WBO bantamweight belt-holder)

I’d loved to have trained with Jonny Tapia.  Not only would I have had amazing sparring but I could imagine him being a right character in the gym. Manny Pacquiao during the five or six years he was pretty much unstoppable. I’d have loved to sit there and watched him train and spar. Third would be Muhammad Ali. Just imagine being around him during big fight after big fight.

Chris Billam-Smith (European cruiserweight champion)

‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard because he had it all. A truly special fighter. Also, Floyd Mayweather Jnr, the greatest of my era. It would be great to learn from him and watch him train. Finally, my pal George Groves, because he was my favourite fighter and, when I got to share the ring and gym with him, I learnt a huge amount.

Eric Donovan (Super-featherweight contender)

‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed was the first boxer I loved; he made boxing cool. He was a southpaw, too, just like me. I’d also pick Manny Pacquiao, who really came to my attention after beating Marco Antonio Barrera in 2003. I’ve followed his career ever since. Finally, I’d pick Muhammad Ali, who transcended the sport and became more than just a champion.

Shabaz Masoud (Super-bantamweight prospect)

I would have loved to be in camp with Naseem Hamed just to see him training. That would be amazing. Also, Floyd Mayweather to see how he trained and learn from him. Finally, ‘Sugar’ Ray Robinson, just to see the difference between the training in his time and ours. He was a beautiful boxer to watch.

featherweight
Naseem Hamed nails Kevin Kelley

Products You May Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *