By Mark Havey: Anybody that has followed my articles will know how much I love Prize fighter. People may remember that I once referred to Eddie Hearn as the future of British boxing. The main thing I love about the show is the format which is revolutionary. The boxers are forced to fight with fortitude and copious amounts of endurance. 3 rounds isn’t a long time to please the judges, the action is nonstop.
I am fortunate enough to live in close proximity to two former Prize fighters. Billy Bessey fought in the first ever of the series. As an amateur Billy competed and won in prominent competitions. He reached the NABC semi finals, Junior ABA semi finals, senior ABA quarter finalist, senior ABA semi finals and finally the ABA senior final, in which Bessey became the ABA super heavyweight champion. After 90 amateur fights and 13 as a professional, Billy changed direction which found him the other side of the ropes, as a coach.
Team Bessey train in a building hidden by a taxi firm. You can’t really get lost. You can hear the gym prior to seeing it. the sound of leather pounding leather and chains screaming under the strain from the heavy bag. Walking through the door you instantaneously know it’s an old school gym. With pictures and belts decorating the brick wall, it’s a far cry from the leisure centre boxing gyms that seem to pop up every week. This is Billy Bessey’s HQ and where he agreed to me interviewing him.
Hi Billy, thanks for talking with me.
No problem.
What has been the highlight of your career?
without a doubt winning the 1999 superheavyweight ABA title. it’s the pinnacle of amateur boxing, my name will be on the roll of honor forever
You and your brother were the first siblings in over 20 years to win the titles in the same year did that make your victory even more sweeter?
Yes my brother won the title 6 times as well as commonwealth gold and european bronze, so I had to match him just once in my life. :-)
Who was the best boxer you faced?
My best mate Kevin Bennett in sparring, although he was only a lightweight (he was pro commonwealth champion), every punch he hit me with I was seeing stars.
You once faced Martin Rogan, how good was he?
Technically he was far from good really but that man has some balls. He is strong and whenever he fights he leaves nothing in the tank. That can get you far in boxing, especially in the heavyweights
You fought in the first ever Prize fighter in which you lost. I scored that fight as a draw, what were you thinking whilst waiting for the result?
I was thinking about how knackered I was, and just hoping so much id get the decision
The format for Prize fighter is unusual. Did you have any idea that it would become so popular?
Yes I think it’s a brilliant idea. I go on Boxrec and lots of people now say they’re bored of it, but I know how every fighter in every fight is trying to win unlike most shows you watch.
You have now retired, what do you miss most?
I miss everything about being a boxer. Most of all, since putting so much weight on, I miss seeing my manhood:-) (laughs).
What was the hardest thing about preparing for a fight?
The dieting! I’ve always loved my food. Although I was a heavyweight I always used to have to lose weight in order to get in half decent shape
You’re using your knowledge and experience as a trainer now, how is that going?
I love it the buzz you get from training lads, it’s brilliant, although annoying sometimes.
What is the best advise you were given when you started out?
To live the dream. life goes so quick and so does your time in the ring so enjoy every minute whilst you can.
Who do you like to watch right now?
Erm… Mayweather is just pure brilliance but he’s way above anyone out there. Andre Ward is another unbelievable fighter. From over here I love Tony Bellew, his attitude, his boxing, his balls and the way he would do absolutely anything in order to win a fight. I used to think he was a bit of a fool with the way he screams after winning, but that just shows how much it means to him. He posts on Boxrec all the time and he’s a very humble and approachable bloke
Pacquiao vs Mayweather, who wins?
Mayweather 100%. The fight should have happened 2 years ago when they were both on a roll, because although Pacman lost a disputed decision lately, it has taken some of the intrigue out of the fight.
Ever thought of a comeback?
Yeah every day until dinnertime comes. But there’s no place in boxing for semi decent lads anymore. You’re either a top lad, someone who sells 100s of tickets or a decent journeyman . There’s no place for anyone else. The top lads beat everyone. The ticket sellers get fed journeymen to beat or if they can’t beat them the journeymen get paid to lose in order to keep the home lads 0 intact.
Finally Billy, anything you regret?
Not getting an England vest. There used to be a time when, by winning the champions you got picked straight away. I know I’m not the best boxer in the world, but there has been worse box for England. It still haunts me today, but hey ho.
Anyone that would like to speak to Billy Bessey in regard to training can contact him on besseysgym@yahoo.co.uk
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