Water worker Baker making waves in the pro boxing business
Conor Baker looks for his hat-trick at Eastside Rooms. Pic: MSN Image
SO far, the pro game has been undemanding for Conor Baker who has won his first two contests, writes PAUL WEBB.
He looks for the hat-trick on BCB’s “Collision Course” show at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, on April 12.
“Fight number three, I’m excited,” said Baker. “I’ve been working hard in the gym on ways to keep improving, focusing on my power, and putting more into my punches. I want to box as often as possible and progress through the levels.”
The Tipton 27-year-old’s last fight came in December against triple-figure fight veteran M.J. Hall. Like many who have boxed the wily veteran, Baker had to take his time to look for openings.
Conor said: “I boxed well, but he was awkward. He keeps his head right down and sets out very defensively, so you have to be patient. But I won every round and gained more experience from it.
When not training at the Anchor Gym, West Bromwich, with coach Mark “Macca” Richards, Baker holds down a job as a full-time water grounds worker. He has a physically demanding job, but Conor has learnt how to utilise time to build a boxing career.
He admitted: “I get on with it and, yeah, it is tough some days when you are doing two sessions around working full time. But that’s what I have to do and I still get in great sparring. I have been doing rounds with Danny Skidmore and Liam Gould, who are both boxing in April.”
The show is headlined by dual Midlands title fights. Michael Stephenson and Cliff Henry contest the light heavyweight belt, while Liam Gould and Ben Vaughan clash for the welterweight strap. Baker has sparred numerous rounds with Gould and knows this is the level he wants to be competing at.
“Liam being in a Midlands title fight on the same show is a good inspiration for where I want to see myself at the end of this year. I leave who I am boxing and when to take that next step to (manager) Errol Johnson. I can get to super-lightweight, or maybe lightweight, for the right fight, but I can’t look past my next opponent and want to put on a good performance on the 12th.
*Tickets for ‘Collision Course’ are now available, priced at £40 standard and £80 Ringside VIP, from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.