From a trainers perspective: Mark Myers Interview

By Boxing News - 11/04/2014 - Comments

1-10615359_831572036887386_6114883276155149051_nby Mark Havey: I have interviewed enough boxers. What I wanted was to get things from a trainer’s point of view. Mark Myers is one of Southern England’s top technical coaches.

His gym is a hive of activity. A security system on the door keeps unwanted visitors out, leaving the fighters to work on their craft. Before the session started, the boxers stand around chatting. The banter was interesting, they were discussing an up and coming show.

Marks voice is ever-present throughout the session. He puts great importance on footwork. The session finishes with 30mins of sparring. I watch a young lad vs. an experienced lad. Despite his inexperience, his ability far exceeds expectation. Plus he asked to get into the ring. He is dropped by a body shot. Mark asks him if he wants a rest, he refuses. His tenacious valour is admirable. This is a gym that produces warriors. It’s where you go if you want to learn, understand and thrive in boxing.

Thank you for agreeing to this interview.

No problem. I’m looking forward to it.

We are at your new gym. It’s a new venture for you, why is it different from gyms you’ve had in the past?

Gyms I’ve had in the past have been church halls and community centres. You have to ask permission to hang bags, its hassle. This is the first place I have had which is a full time combat centre. It has showers and the facilities are amazing. I run the boxing side of it.

It is an impressive set up. You stopped coaching for a while. Can you tell us a little about that?

I lost my mojo basically. I should have stayed at Crookhorn. I should have put on more sessions and put a ring in. I was established there. It was right in the middle of a council estate and buses ran right through it. I had a big banner outside. We had an influx of people all the time. There was a waiting list to join. But I went somewhere else and it didn’t work out. It felt like I was banging my head against a wall so I jacked it in. But my assistant coach kept calling me saying we still had a lot to offer. So here we are.

You have trained people for a long time in various combat sports, what got you into it?

My brother Keith. He used to be into Bruce Lee in the early 70s. Back then you could get a booklet called Kung Fu monthly, it was all about Bruce Lee. My Brother started Karate and I looked up to him, so I went along. This was in 1972 and got my black belt in 1983. I started getting bored. All I wanted to do was spar and I wanted it to be heavier. So I moved over to kickboxing. In 1986 I started boxing at a gym in Chichester called Little London Boys Club. They had a fantastic reputation in the sport.

What qualities do you need as a Coach?

You need the ability to make the complex seem simple. That’s me in a nutshell. Also, a lot of trainers don’t do partner work. So that’s only done in sparring. You can’t do that. You need to practice it first.

A lot of people have said you show them how to do something and explain the reason for it. Is that important?

Absolutely. You have to explain everything.

What qualities do you need as a fighter?

Some people just don’t have what it takes to make it far. You need natural ability. You need speed and timing, good footwork and lateral movement. That’s the key. The average person can box but not at the top. They need to be able to listen. Some people get told for six months to keep their right hand up. They need to do it straight away. However, a boxer is only as good as the coach.

Is it important to stay fit in between fights?

I think it is important. Ricky Hatton went from extremes but I can understand how it is. During camps they are so dedicated and give up so much, so I understand. Monday-Friday you should train hard and eat clean. Then have a good time at the weekend. That’s what I tell my lads.

Who is your all time favourite boxer?

Joe calzaghe. But I loved Ali and Tyson. It’s hard to pick one. But I loved Joe. I had a very similar style. High work rate. The best form of defence is attack.

I have to ask you this, who would win, Pacquiao or Mayweather?

Mayweather. (Laughs). You think Pacquiao don’t you? Obviously they both have speed. However, Floyd is a classy fighter. I can’t put my finger on why to be honest. Pacquiao is a crowd pleaser. He is very, very talented. But Mayweather is so classy and so slick. He is intelligent and his defence is fantastic.

Last question. Your gym is set up as a fighter’s only gym. Has that given you more motivation?

I was fed up of teaching people that didn’t want to fight. You get the fighters in but 75% of people didn’t like to fight. That will stop you from getting taken seriously. Our win rate was really good and I was producing great fighters, but I wanted more. I didn’t want the keep fit people. So anyone that comes in here has to be a fighter.

John Gisby is the assistant Coach. I asked him about Mark.

“He is a good trainer. It’s all about movement and not getting hit. Attacking whilst defending at the same time. He insists that his boxers command the centre of the ring. We have a good win rate because our boys don’t get hit. He is the most technical coaches I have ever come across.”

Lee Friend, one of Marks boxers.

“Mark is excellent. He knows his stuff. Every session is different, that keeps it fresh. He is brilliant on the pads. He gives his boxers confidence. I haven’t been at this gym long, but I’m really enjoying it.

If anyone wants to contact Mark Myers

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Boom-Boom-Boxing-Gym/773351366042787



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