Hi. I thought I should take the time to drop by despite having spent the best part of the week coughing, wheezing and sneezing my way through life. Yep, it’s flu season here rather than launch into a full-blown rant about how ill I’ve been, I’m pleased to say I’m well and truly on the mend and as of next week will be back on the proverbial horse.

Despite the reason behind why it happened a week off from training this week hasn’t necessarily been as painful as I expected it to be. In fact, it’s given me a renewed vigor for the week ahead, and with a fighting focus being very much on my agenda from now until the next time I step up I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running (literally) from next week onwards.

When it comes to training I’ve always found it’s essential to adopt the right attitude and to stick with it no matter how hard it gets. Peaks and troughs occur in all walks of life and over time I’ve learned to take the rough with the smooth and to keep fighting. Never giving up is the order of the day.

A great fight and a draw from 2014.  I could have won it if I pushed a little more… no regrets, however. Not one. 

When talking about what makes a champion Muhammad Ali once said: “the will must be stronger than the skill”. Of course, as Ali acknowledged himself it’s essential to have a good set of skills (it’s not a tickling contest and if your not ready to step up or haven’t been training hard enough it’s a certainty you’ll learn the hard way) but Thai boxing first and foremost (for me anyway) has always been about graft. Whether you be in the ring or on bags or pads you always have to work. You have to have the heart to keep going no matter how hard it gets.

Heart, however, although important (it will never let you down and is always there when you need it the most ) isn’t always something alone that can win fights…although sometimes it does.

I sometimes find myself up against tricky fighters sparring.  I’ve fought a couple over the years too. Being honest, I always get annoyed with tricky fighters. They can make me work and not get anywhere at all for my efforts, but I’m learning that if I take my time, and try to pick my shots I can still turn it on and give someone something to remember me by. Skill and will often shake hands when I relax and remember to do my best.

My last fight has left me wondering in a way what I’m missing these days but I’ve come to realize what I’m looking for has never really left. I remember who I can be when I really put my mind to it. When I don’t think I’m doing well I am doing well and I’m pleased I train with a team that can really push me to be at my best.

There’s a lot I need to improve before my next fight, but what’s been there all the time should never be dismissed or forgotten. People have called me a warrior in the past. I’d like to get to know him again, because after all.. it’s what’s inside that counts. Have a good week, train hard and just like the last time.. I’ll see you on that road.