THE DAWN OF A NEW FURY
at the AIBA World Youth championships in Armenia. Hughie represented England, but he is of course very proud of his Irish roots. He will be wearing the Irish colours on his robe when he makes his entrances to the ring.
Hughie mainly trains on the road in camps now. He is currently based in Ottawa, Canada, for the next 5 weeks in the build up to his official pro debut in Montreal and for his American debut in New York.
I wanted to know a bit more about Hughie, so I got in touch with him.
J.McK - Hughie, can you tell me what age you were when you got in to boxing and has your Dad, Peter, always taught and trained you?
H.F - I was 6 when I started hitting the pads with my Dad. I then went to other gyms and boxed from the age of 11 to 14. I never liked training with other people so I've been with my Dad since then full time.
J.McK - You had 5 bouts altogether at the AIBA Youth World championships last year in Armenia. For each bout you had was the plan to stick with what you do best as a boxer, or to try out something different?
H.F - Myself and Dad worked on our plans before the tournament and I was able to carry them out.
been with my Dad since then full time.
J.McK - You had 5 bouts altogether at the AIBA Youth World championships last year in Armenia. For each bout you had was the plan to stick with what you do best as a boxer, or to try out something different?
H.F - Myself and Dad worked on our plans before the tournament and I was able to carry them out.
J.McK - You won the Gold Medal in that tournament, can you put into words how you felt the moment your hand was raised, realizing that you had just won Gold?
H.F - Dad said to me we ain't come this far for any Bronze or Silver! If it wasn't Gold, it was a failure. It was total focus and determination working on our game and talking to each other before and after each fight. It was an amazing feeling to win Gold. I was so proud to win it for my family and country! I want to thank the England Team for giving me the opportunity!
J.McK - That was a great achievement to win Gold, Hughie. Congratulations on that! Can you tell me why you and Peter decided it was best for you to not stay as an amateur. The Olympic games in Rio are 3 years away now. Were you in with a shout of going to them?