Goodchild learns the ropes in Mexico gym
Connor Goodchild…travelled far in search of boxing knowledge
CONNOR Goodchild reckons he will pick up where he left off when he ends an eight-month absence from the ring.
He boxes for the first time since last June at the Eastside Rooms, on Woodcock Street, Birmingham, when BCB Promotions are back there on Saturday, February 25.
Brummie Goodchild, from Kings Norton, has the chance to record four pro wins from the same outings, having yet to lose a round in the paid ranks.
That came after 40 bouts, at amateur level, with 30 wins among them for the Pat Benson Boxing Academy, with father-and-son Spencer McCracken Snr and Jnr now leading him.
The 24-year-old light-middle first punched for pay in February of last year, where he notched a four-round points whitewash over Paul Cummings, through a 40-36 scoreline.
A maiden TKO, as a pro, came next, when he removed Sultan Ahmet in the third round, with his adversary folding under a barrage of blows.
Goodchild then spent time honing his craft in Mexico, training and sparring, before returning home to take on MJ Hall, in his third pro outing.
Left-hander Hall used his guile to get through the distance, but Goodchild again prevailed through a 40-36 verdict, but he would then endure a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
Goodchild said: “I got straight back into the gym, come the new year, and I’ve smashed it in training camp. I’m feeling fit, sharp and ready to push on for the future.
“I had a fight date in September, but that fell through, because we had problems finding an opponent. I got to 3-0 and then sort of disappeared, for a few months.
“I’m still young and in no mega rush. The rest probably did me good, in that I got the chance to recharge my batteries, even though I still stayed in the gym.
“My last opponent was a tough man. I quite enjoy fighting southpaws, because they are open to the right hand. I caught him a few times with it, he told me that afterwards.
“It’s not all about knocking people out, when you’re learning, and there’s nothing more valuable than experience. That said, it was an amazing feeling when I got a stoppage.
“My last one was probably my most dominant performance and I want to start showing people more of that. I’ve got a decent record and I’m looking to improve on it.
“I can box when I need to, or I’m happy to mix it and have a tear up. I will take risky fights, if a good opportunity comes along, against anyone at my level.
“I can’t wait to progress in rounds and I think a longer distance suits me better, because I can warm into it. I’ve found that in sparring.”
Tickets for the Eastside Rooms bill are available, priced at £40 standard or £75 VIP ringside, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com.