Punching above their weight

There are just a few weeks to go until CRN Fight Night 2013 kicks off and Sara Yirrell managed to grab a few of the intrepid boxers halfway through their punishing training regimes

It takes a very dedicated individual to become one of CRN’s fearless Fight Night warriors.

Not only are they holding down full-time jobs, they are spending many hours a week pounding the pavements or sweating in the gym as they prepare for one of the toughest nights of their lives.

Taking place at the Brewery in Chiswell Street, London on 23 May, the event is already a sellout and is looking set to be the biggest and best yet.

Chris “Cozmic Kid” Taylor from Insight said he found the start of the training tough.

“I pretty much started from zero. Running through the cold streets of London in the evenings with the rain pouring down and lungs burning from years of fags and non-exercise was definitely tougher that I thought it would be. Not to mention uneven pavements and puddles filled with dirty road water leaving grit in my trainers and chills to the bone when it’s March, for goodness sake!

“The first month was tough but improvements were easy to see and it was encouraging and half enjoyable. Now the cold and flu have gone and the weather is getting warmer, the outdoor training is more palatable, without the aching joints and a permanent headache – plus my new-found ability to breathe through my nose. With six more weeks to go it’s time to knuckle down and increase the pace a step further. Bring on the fight – and of course a pint after!”

Ross “The Relentless” McSorely said he’s pushing himself to the limit.

“The training is going great. I’ve always considered myself a fit and healthy guy but this is putting me back in my place. I’m sparring and training at least twice a week and have amped up my cardio so it goes without saying that I’m passing out every night without fail! I’m really enjoying the challenge though and I can’t wait until Fight Night. I’m looking forward to putting on what I hope will be a great show for my colleagues, friends and my brother.”

Marek “The Maverick” Zawadzki is still happy he put himself forward for the event.

“My training ranges from sparring and bag work to general fitness and weight training (while keeping up the odd bit of football in the background). With six weeks to go, I’m getting much more strict with my diet and cutting down on my alcohol intake. The next six weeks are going to be tough as this will be one of my biggest challenges to date but I’m really enjoying myself and sponsorship is going well for my charity – The Lewy Body Society.”

Alexander “Bro You Trippin’ Your Jaw I Be Rippin’” Griffin (quite possibly the longest fighter name we have had in our six-year history) is also relishing the challenge.

“Every week I am more happy to be taking part in CRN Fight Night this year,” he said. “The hard parts are the long runs on a mid-week evening, and the longer runs the evening after, in the biting cold, snow and wind, matched only by the work in the gym every other night. The diet is in full swing – I say diet. Eating a lot of steak and chicken with vegetables isn’t too difficult, but being a student, the no alcohol is a challenge! I’m feeling the benefits though, and fighting for an alcoholism charity helps.”

David “The Conqueror” Cattermole likened his training to “learning to play the accordion while learning to ride a unicycle”.

“Doing everything independently and trying to master all the aspects of boxing is a real challenge,” he said. “I’ve never boxed before so am learning to duck, bob and weave and also starting to spar.

“I’m in the best shape now that I’ve ever been and it is great fun. I’m sure a lot of us are burning the candle at both ends – heavy training while working very hard. My food bill has also gone through the roof. I think it is going to be one of the most amazing and memorable experiences in my life.”

Joe “The Pilgrim” Partridge has already conquered the pre-match nerves.

“Training is going really well – I’m going to Reading Amateur Boxing Club two to three times a week and am going to the gym every day. The fitness is really hard, but I’m loving it.

“I have always eaten pretty healthily and am trying to improve my cardio fitness. I’m really looking forward to it – I don’t feel nervous about it at all,” he added.

CRN would like to wish all our boxers good luck with the rest of their training and look forward to seeing them in action on the night.