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Martin Power and CJ Hussein at St Pancras amateur boxing club |
Back in ring after a Power cut
Fighter returns to beloved boxing club and prepares for big title eliminator
BANTAMWEIGHT Martin “Too Much” Power has dramatically returned to his roots in a bid to get his boxing career back on track.
The former British champion, who lives in Castlehaven Road, Camden Town, stepped back between the ropes at St Pancras Amateur Boxing Club this week – an incredible 21 years after he first walked into the gym.
Martin, 29, has been dubbed by fans as “the son of St Pancras” after winning seven national titles and eight international gold medals during a glittering amateur career with the club, which is based in Talacre Road, Kentish Town.
The former Haverstock schoolboy could barely hide his delight at being back where he belongs. He said: “Returning to where it all started for me has given me back my love for boxing.”
Having first joined the gym when he was only eight years old, Martin went on to compete for the club more than 60 times, before turning professional back in 2001.
As an amateur he quickly made a name for himself, winning his first 33 successive bouts and going on to boast 55 wins in 61 fights. He also represented England at schoolboy, youth and senior level.
In 2001, shortly after Martin entered the paid ranks, St Pancras ABA was taken over by American trainer Emmanuel Steward and turned into the Kronk Gym – a move that Martin believes almost destroyed the club.
“Boxing is a poor man’s sport, and the Kronk team came in and turned what was a local boxing gym for the kids into a business just so that they could line their own pockets,” he said. “Everything I loved about the gym changed overnight, so I left.”
By 2006 St Pancras ABA had regained full control of the club, and can even boast the return of a former hero.
Martin has wasted little time getting back in the swing of things, teaming up with St Pancras head coach CJ Hussein.
“Since turning professional I’ve never trained as hard as I am now,” he said.
“I’ve always known that CJ was a great coach, but unfortunately until now I’d never had the chance to work with him.
“I have no doubt that CJ will get me in perfect shape for my next fight, I’ve never been as confident as I am now.”
Martin is preparing to take on Yorkshire’s Sean Hughes in a Commonwealth title eliminator at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on June 30. It promises to be a big night for Martin, both in and out of the ring, with his fiancee Karen expecting their second child.
He added: “There could be double celebrations on the night.” |
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