DAILY SPORT catches up with pro boxing trainer and absolute gentleman Kevin Campion.
PZ: At what age did you get into boxing?
KC: I was eleven years old. I did it as an amateur, but due to a problem with my left eye I had to stop boxing. Although I still wanted to box, the problem with my eye stayed with me all through school and finally I had to come away from the sport. I had a go at the unlicensed boxing and that was not for me either. At the age of 24 I turned my hand to coaching and started teaching kids and it all went positively from there.
I live and breath this sport, and because I could not compete, this was the next best thing. I absolutely love coaching and seeing the talent progressing under my wings.
PZ: Name your top three boxing trainers in the world at the moment.
KC: I would say Freddie Roach would be up there, but I have to say that the UK has some incredible trainers. Bobby Rimmer will always be a favourite of mine and a mentor. He was heavily involved with the Hatton camp and did some great things with Ryan Rhodes. I would also have to say that Jimmy Tibbs would need to be within that top 3.
PZ: Amir Khan recently said he would be evaluating whether he would continue to work with Freddie Roach. Your thoughts?
KC: It’s difficult. Freddie is one of the top trainers in the world, but how much time does Amir actually get? I think this was the stumbling block for Amir that brought doubt into the picture. He needs someone that can focus on him.
The shot that Amir was caught with by Garcia is the same shot which Bredis Prescott caught him with a few years ago – a left hook. He needs somebody to help him get rid of that vulnerability. He punches hard, has great footwork and is a great athlete, but I’m not sure if he’s getting enough of Freddie’s time. This was not an ideal preparation. There’s talk of Emmanuel Steward coming in, but the fact remains that whoever takes him over, they need to dedicate undivided time to him.
For the first three rounds against Garcia he was winning easily. Unfortunately he stepped out of the game plan and wanted to go to war with him. That was his downfall.
PZ: Was Angelo Dundee the best of all time?
KC: I think so. He’s an icon, not just to the armchair boxing fans but to all the boxers out there. The way he could analyse a game plan and the opponent was second to none.
Will there be anybody else like him? I’m not sure. Perhaps it was the right era for him and he had the best fighters. In my opinion he was a legend.
PZ: Tell us more about your coaching Academy. The services you offer and where you are based.
KC: I have a couple of pro boxers under my wings at present. My biggest problem is that I don’t train full time as this is not my complete job as yet. However, it’s my absolute goal to make it my full time job.
I train pros, amateurs, white collar, and people who want to get generally fit.
I’m based in a little village in Essex – Burnham on Crouch. I was originally based in Enfield, but having just had a baby I want to be closer to home.
I’m very aware that I want to pick up more experience, but in the same breath am delighted that I have just picked up the Frank Warren House Second position, which is a great feather in my cap.
PZ: Tell us more about your pro fighters and their up and coming fights.
KC: Luke Fowler is one of my lads. He’s 19 now, and I’ve known him since he was 11 and he’s had one pro fight which he’s won, but unfortunately had an injury since then. He’s now recovered so we are looking at getting him in the ring again soon. The other lad is Vinz Kuech, who is a great kid. He’s only started training with me recently. He fights on October 5th and has signed with Micky Helliett. The fight will be live on Eurosport! They are both highly decorated hungry fighters. Early days in their pro careers, but they are showing promise.
PZ: Team GB did an incredible job this year in scooping up medals on the boxing front. Was there any individuals in particular who stood out for you?
KC: They all did really well. Tom Stalker was really unlucky. It’s really tough to try and single one out. They have done so much for the sport in the last few weeks than many have tried over a number of years. They have given a great name to boxing and should be very proud of their performances. Each and every one of them were incredible. They are the inspiration for the next generation.
PZ: What are your future plans for you and your coaching?
KC: I want to be coaching full time and be involved in this 24/7. I have changed my full time job of being in a high grade managerial position to a much lower position of responsibility at the power station, just so I can fulfil my ambitions. I want to be involved in professional boxing full time. I will get there, but it takes time!!
PZ: What level of interaction do you have with other coaches?
KC: I have a fair bit of interaction for example with Jimmy and Mark (Tibbs), Dominic Ingle and many others, who are all great guys who you can call upon for advice.
PZ: Tell the readers one thing about yourself that not many people know.
KC: I’ve had three hernias!