Boxing Punchlines: River Wilson-Bent
River Wilson-Bent. From Coventry, aged 29. Record: 15-3-1. Middleweight
When and why did you start boxing?
I was 14 when I started boxing for a gym called Newdigate. My first fight was when I was 15. One of my friends asked me to go training with him one day when we were out playing football. I said no at the start, but after we finished playing, I had nothing better to do.
Tell me about your amateur debut?
My coach said I had a skills bout, but I begged him to get me a real contest with a winner at the end. All my mates boxed and I felt embarrassed being 15 and having a skills bout, so he got me a fight with a lad who had one, stopped one. I can remember my coach going around the changing room and saying to everyone what he expected. When he got to me, he said: " I don't know what to expect from you tonight. " In the fight, he gave me a standing count the first round,and then something switched in me and I boxed his head off, giving him a count in the second and third, winning the fight by unanimous decision and winning best boxer of the night trophy.
What was your amateur highlight and most memorable bout?
I boxed a lad called Nick Pemberton in the quarters of the ABAs. He was four-five times national champion. I can remember looking at his shorts with all his England badges and England vest thinking this is going to be hard.
I won the fight and boxed Cyrus Pattinson next round. The score was equal, the count back was equal and I lost by a 3/2 decision. He went on to box for GB and is a outstanding professional now, as well.
WHAT WAS YOUR AMATEUR RECORD AND ANY TITLES WON OR CHALLENGED FOR? My record was 57, won 37. I won Midlands titles, central England middleweight title, two Haringey Box Cup silvers, one at 69kg one at 75kg.
How did you find the transition from amateur code to the pro ranks?
I was a counter puncher as an amateur, and, being a pro, you've got no time to wait for journeymen to throw at you so.. I got on the front foot and digged my shots in and adapted quickly. Top sparring with season pros helped a lot.
Tell me about your professional debut?
My debut was one to remember, I normally had about 30 to 40 people come watch me as an amateur on home shows, only a handful on other club shows. But for my debut I done over 250 tickets. The venue was at Aston Villa football club. The place was rocking with friends and family. The fight lasted 45 seconds when I got the KO - the place was electric.
Your professional highlight so far?
My hightlight would be winning the Midlands title by KO live on channel 5 (River stopped Troi Coleman in three in 2020 with possibly the punch of the year). We were in lockdown at the time, so the fight was behind closed doors, but everyone was watching from home. That fight got me signed by Hennessy Sports.
What’s next for River Wilson-Bent?
I want a shot at the English title again which is the plan, but I'm a prize-fighter, so whatever comes up. I am still training full-time, waiting for my opportunity.
What’s the best advice you can give to a young boxer starting out?
One hundred percent have a team you trust and who care about you. Pro boxing is a business. I've been very lucky having a great coach and manager guiding my career. Make sure you're getting your runs in building that engine. One thing to remember is that boxing doesn't wait for no one, Stay in the gym, stay fit and ready, plenty of time to party when you've finished the sport.
Interview by Derek Fitzpatrick