Hillier: no trash talk, only self belief as he prepares for Danny

Hillier…faces Quartermaine in Coventry on October 14

IT’S the accent that wrong foots you when interviewing Jack Hillier, the fighter who faces Danny Quartermaine – and his army of fans - in an English junior-lightweight title final eliminator.

The man is extremely well spoken, public schoolboy well spoken.

I’ll refrain from the term posh, but at times sentences bordered on the soothing, clipped tones of a vicar administering wisdom to one of his flock.

An audience with Southampton’s Hillier is a long way from the usual “camp’s gone great, I’m ready to make a statement” fighter’s fare. The former university graduate is very high on intellect.

The accent is deceptive. It masks a hardened, hungry and ambitious athlete who burns with self belief.

He assured me: “I grew up in a council house, I’m the eldest of eight children. I’m well spoken, by no means posh.”

It is that grit and steely resolve that has driven him to face Quartermaine, a human hurricane in the ring, at four week’s notice and in Danny’s backyard of Coventry’s Sports Connexion on October 14.

The contest, on Tommy Owens’ blockbuster bill, is a rare clash of young, red hot prospects still making the climb to glory.

It is, on paper, a true 50-50 encounter. Both are unbeaten in nine pro outings, both are 26, both have stellar amateur backgrounds: Hillier lost on a split decision in the national ABA finals and succeeded in a host of multi-national tournaments. Neither have travelled the 10 round distance, Hillier has yet to go beyond four.

To repeat a cliché, someone’s “0” has to go. Not surprisingly, the bout has spread fight fever across the region.

Danny Quartermaine…a human hurricane in the ring

Hillier, originally with the McGuigans, now trained by Gary White, is thankfully free from the fake feuds and derogatory rants that have become part and parcel of big fight build-ups.

“I don’t dislike Danny Quartermaine,” he said. “How can I dislike him, I don’t know him? We are both in boxing for the same thing. He deserves my respect.

“It’s a good fight, it will be entertaining. In boxing, you have to take your chances and I’ve never wanted to have 12 to 15 fights against journeymen and then be thrown in at the deep end. I believe I will win, I’m confident in my ability. It’s the right opportunity.

“I’m a box-fighter, I can change my style depending on who I’m boxing. In the past I boxed on the front-foot, but I can box on the back foot if I need to. I’m a bit of everything.”

Jack won’t be troubled by the wall of sound generated by Danny’s fanatical fanbase.

“The thing is with the professionals, you’re suddenly not boxing those with the same standards and abilities as you did as an amateur. As an amateur, I fought in so many other people’s backyards. My biggest strength was I was fitter than anyone else.

“This has come at short notice, but we’re bringing a coachload (of supporters) and quite a few ringside tickets have been sold.”

Courtesy of his amateur achievements, Hillier was groomed for big things from the start. To date, the journey has been frustrating and stop-start. All that will change with a victory over Quartermaine.

“I went to 7-0 in 18 months,” he said, “my eighth fight was to be on TV, then lockdown happened.”

When the pandemic subsided, a query surrounding Hillier’s MRI scan – later deemed an error – further delayed his progress and stalled momentum.

He was out for over three years before returning in February. He last fought in June.

“It’s about getting things back on track,” Hillier added, “it’s about getting to where I want to be.”

Victory over Quartermaine will take Hillier to within touching distance of where he wants to be.

It’s a big risk, but big risks offer big rewards. And you’ve got to applaud the man for taking it.