Mad Man Mooney - I’ll never stop boxing

Michael Mooney…fighter proud of his journeyman status

“TOMORROW’S Sunderland,” grinned the irrepressible force of nature that is Michael Mooney. “That’s another four hour journey for me and Harper.”

Sunderland is the setting for the self proclaimed “Mad Man” of British boxing’s 120th contest. “Harper” is former English champ Adam Harper currently tasked, as trainer, with keeping the remarkable Worcester veteran totally focused, fit and fight ready.

Keeping Mooney fit isn’t an issue: he is a 39-year-old in remarkable physical condition, a dedicated distance runner. Keeping him focused is more problematic: Mooney is a mischievous individual whose mind races at break-neck speed.

Harper may find it easier to “focus” kittens.

Tomorrow’s Sunderland and the smart money is on a four round, 40-36 loss. Six days ago it was Beverley, Yorkshire. Twenty-eight days before that, Glasgow. Thirty-five days before that, Bethnal Green.

To be Mooney’s trainer, a good satnav and very reliable motor are vital.

Mooney, with 10 wins and three draws in a career stretching 11 years, represents the side of boxing that is unseen by armchair fans whose knowledge begins and ends with lavish TV title productions.

He is a journeyman who has tested a long line of prospects and pretenders. He is very good at what he does.

And Mooney, a building site worker by day, is immensely proud of the tag. “It shows strength and character,” he said. “It’s not as glamorous as the glitzy side of boxing, but it’s kept me in the game, it’s kept me in good condition. I may be 39, but I rush around like a 25-year-old. I stay in shape because of it.

“I was proud that I’d stayed at lightweight for 11 years. Now I’m thinking about moving to welter. I fancy pumping some iron, making my body look better.”

Mooney takes the mike during pre-fight press conference

An audience with Mooney is problematic and interviews trip from deadly serious to surreal to pure slapstick.

During one dressing room grilling with this reporter, he stubbornly refused to discuss the contest that had just taken place and instead launched into a lecture on the importance of moisturising: “You’ve got to moisturise. I moisturise three times a day. My mother taught me the importance of moisturising.”

In pro boxing, there are off-the-wall, eccentric characters, then there is “Mad Man” Mooney, a truly complex individual.

Thankfully, Michael was in reflective, serious mood when I caught up with him during a building site break.

“Yesterday, I dug out stones and rocks with my bare hands and a shovel, wheeled it uphill, went home, went boxing with Harper, then we went together and ran five-and-a-half miles for a bit of a chat,” he said in a deep Worcestershire burr. “Harper trains me and trains with me.”

Harper has evidently replaced the rigours of his own boxing career for an equally exhausting schedule with Mooney. It certainly involves more travelling.

Quite simply, Mooney fights because he loves to fight – and, for better or worse, he has no plans to retire.

“How many fights before I call it a day? A billion,” he said. “I’m good for a good few years. I don’t like to think about it, but if the Board one days says enough is enough, then there are other countries and other fights.

“I love fighting, I get a buzz from it, I’m buzzing for 24 hours afterwards. I don’t mind getting punched and I’ve never been knocked out. Sometimes I get nervous if I’ve not prepared enough, if I’ve smashed it in the gym I’m fine. I’m not stupid, I do my research before accepting a fight.

“I’m not slurring my words, I’ve got all my faculties. As long as that’s the case I’ll continue.”

And he’ll continue with the full support of wife Karon.

There are no laser lights and fireworks when Mooney walks to the ring. It’s strictly a blood and bruises business with little glory.

That is what he wanted from the start. Mooney began his amateur career in the Royal Navy, continued it with Worcester ABC and after three losses in 14 bouts (all by split decision) he decided to “earn a few quid” on the white collar circuit.

He then tried his arm in the established professional ranks. There have been title opportunities – an English title eliminator, Masters and Challenge belt bouts. There have also been upsets courtesy of his still potent punching power.

Mooney, however, has always wanted to fight regularly and champs don’t fight regularly. He is a man who gets bored very easily.

“The carrot about becoming a journeyman was the chance to work regularly,” he explained. “If I was looking for a title I’d have to sell tickets and there was no way I was going to wait three months for a fight. During the whole process, the idea was to be a journeyman.”

Adam Harper…the ex-pro now training Worcester warrior

Even so, Mooney won four of his first seven contest, which suggests early ambition.

Of the many nights on the road, one stands out – the 2014 Sheffield encounter with Sam O’Maison.

“He hit me so hard in the first round it scared me,” said Mooney. “When he hit me it was like looking through a kaleidoscope. I said to my corner, ‘I thought this was going to be a walk around? He’s just really, really hurt me’.

“I knew I had to get him out of there in the second round.”

That he did.

Mooney has seen many changes during his long stint in the game and insisted: “It’s now in a better state. The only bad bit is social media with so many people saying things and so many boxers talking rubbish. No one gets knocked out by being called a name.

“I get trash talk from the crowd – it gets me going big time.”

Mooney, one of boxing’s most colourful characters, is a long way from being done with the sport.

It will, he stressed, have to push him into retirement. He’s certainly not going to make the leap voluntarily.

The fact of the matter is he will always box, either with or without the Board’s blessing. It’s in his blood.

And way down the line, when the Mad Man is old and grey, he’ll demand his retirement home has a punch-bag.

He may even try to organise a British title fight for over 80s.