It's fight day. In one sense it has dragged to get to this point, in another it has flown by and the eight weeks have seemed like eight days. Are there nerves? No, not really yet. There's a few hours to get to the venue, plenty of time for nerves when I get there!
There's very little that can be done extra now. Last night involved watching Anthony Joshua win the IBF world heavyweight title with a mate. We managed to fit in a few rounds of pad work between fight to stay loose. Little bit of a last minute run yesterday. All helped burn off some energy and give a decent nights sleep, something I was concerned about. This morning has been a case of cooking chicken and pasta to take with me later and a single cup of coffee. Damn the medical checks and your blood pressure, would normally be half a kettle down by this point in the day!!!!
Yesterday involved making sure everything was ready. Gum shield, hand wraps, groin guard, boots, shorts, outfit for the night after. I'm someone who likes to compartmentalise, make sure everything is ready in stages and be prepared. No rushing around this morning looking for something I could have found yesterday. Last minute potential entrance music hiccup was overcome by another CD being burnt, just in case the first was the wrong format.
Now it's just a matter of a few hours with the kids, quick shower then get going. Then it's the real wait. Standing around with a bunch of other people who will similarly have their nerves jangling. Wait for the fight schedule to be released. I'm hoping for an early to mid evening fight, don't fancy hanging around until the last fight of the evening. Three months not drinking, I fancy a trip to the bar.
I've been asked if I'm looking forward to the fight a lot. It's a fairly standard answer.....yes, cannot wait to get in there then share a beer with my opponent after. The group has been great, no malice between opponents and loads of respect thrown around. We are all in this for the same reason, raising money for Cancer Research and having a good time.
Nothing left to say now other than good luck to all taking part. You've worked so hard, survived the training where many have fallen. Should all be proud of yourselves and one another. Now let's go out there and put on a show for the 1,500 people turning up to watch us. No pressure then! Stay safe all, hands up and chins down.
