BOSTON

I arrived at the Petronelli gym, on Petronelli Way, in the city of champions called Brockton.
This was home to the legendary undefeated Heavyweight Rocky Marciano and Marvelous
Marvin Hagler.

I was not sure what to expect but quickly felt at ease and felt comfortable when I was given
a warm welcome by Goody and the rest of the guys in the gym. After the introductions
Goody told me to get ready so we can get down to some work. Goody has trained many of
the world's top fighters past and present, including the great undisputed Middleweight
Champion Marvellous Marvin Hagler and our very own former British & World Champion
Celtic Warrior Steve Collins. Steve learnt his trade and was guided by the Petronelli
brothers at the beginning of his career, having many of his fights in America before
conquering Europe.

In the gym I met Kevin Mcbride who conquered Mike Tyson, training for his up and coming
world title shot and also there were some real prospects coming through. Goody's old
fighters popped in from time to time to say hello and give their valuable experience. It was
great getting the chance to talk to Rockin Robbie Simms, Marvin's brother, who boxed our
own Nigel Benn and also beat the tough Roberto Duran in his career. There was also Drake
Thadzi the Light Heavyweight who defeated one of my favourite fighters James Lights Out
Toney. And I will never forget one of Marvin's ex sparring partners, who is a real character,
Light Heavyweight Tiger Moore. Tiger although now in his fifties helped in the gym and
worked out everyday, and would put many younger boxers to shame with his tough work
out regime. He also shared some of the stories he told me from days gone by, which came to
life in this gym steeped in history

It was now time to work – I had a relaxing break after the Murphy fight so it was hard, but
I dug deep and got through the aches and pains and I started to enjoy myself working daily
on the pads with Goody.

I started picking up some new moves to add to and compliment my style. I was put through
some tough workouts alongside the other pro's and some of the amateurs. I also got some
quality sparring sessions with other boxers with a wide variety of styles, and even picked up
a black eye for my troubles…. Cheers Manny!

Manny was the very fast Super Middleweight I did some rounds with, who looks to have a
bright future if he continues to progress at the rate he is. He's always keen to learn and thus
far has recorded 20 wins out of 21 fights.

Another bright prospect was Louis, the durable, rugged and tough Mexican southpaw - aren't
they all! Louis had a high work rate that really put me through my paces; he is undefeated
as a professional and was a real handful with his unorthodox style, but all in all they were
both great guy's who I really enjoyed working with.

Everything about this trip was different from their training methods to enjoying my
roadwork running around Boston Park (although I can't believe I'm saying that I enjoyed
roadwork!). It was a chance for me to see how far I had progressed in my career and to add
something extra to my style. The experience has been a massive boost for my confidence;
which was already high after avenging the Murphy defeat last time out.

Before closing on this experience I would like to thank Goody for his valuable time and for
giving me the honour of working with him. Also for giving me full use of his gym facilities
and sharing some of his knowledge and wisdom in boxing along the way. He is a very well
respected and liked man by all who know him, and after my time in his company, I can see
why.

To some of the guys I have not mentioned yet you haven't been forgotten. Skip thanks for
working on the pads with me and helping me greatly to get through those tough gym
workouts. Peter for ferrying me around and taking me to the sights of Brockton, and to
dine at Marciano's favourite Restaurant and showing me his house, where he lived and grew
up

Good luck to Chris the amateur Light Heavy who lives for boxing; keep winning and I wish
you all the best. To any of you I have missed out keep working hard and you will surely be
the next crop of success to come out the famous Petronelli Gym.

I cant wait to get back in action in England come September, and could not have had a
better mini training camp to prepare me before knuckling down to some more training
under the watchful eye of my experienced trainers Paddy & Tommy Lynch, back in my
home City of Birmingham.

I'm really going to enjoy getting ready for whoever I step in the ring with next; and to be
honest I really don't care who it is. I'm ready to mount my assault on the British Boxing
Scene.

Before moving on and looking at the future, and to boxing in America for the Undisputed
Middleweight Title held by the highly talented American Jermaine Taylor. My very quick
message for Taylor is - keep a look out mate because Mad Dog's on a mission .......to be
continued