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Ian Wilson IF the old maxim about nice guys finishing last is true, then Camden super-featherweight Ian Wilson may as well give up now. He describes bantamweight Martin Power as a "good mate and an inspiration", rival Carl Johanneson as a "great fighter" and girlfriend Sarah as "perfect in every way". He even insists, right off the bat, that he will never "slag off" another fighter. But this gentlemanly demeanour belies a tremendous talent and ferocious self-belief that has carried the Frank Maloney-promoted fighter to the periphery of British title contention after just seven pro fights (all wins, two inside). As he's a tall (5ft 11in), awkward southpaw with fast hands and power, other contenders aren't queuing up to take him on, which presents a problem for this man in a hurry. "It's my back. It's always been a problem," he says. "The physios, the doctors - at first they thought it was a slipped disc. I had to wait 18 months to see a specialist, and then he told me that the discs were just bulging, not slipped. "It's a mystery to me. And them. It comes and goes, but it'll never be 100 per cent. When it's bad, I can't train properly as anything that involves moving from the waist aggravates it. "There is a plus side - I feel I've been lucky to get a second chance. And I'm capable of just about anything when I'm healthy." Back problems caused him to stay out of boxing for six years after a 14-1 amateur record, and turning pro, against Nobby Nobbs fighter Lance Verallo, when already 24. Even now, Ian doesn't have it easy. He still works four days a week in a music store, ("although they are really good about time off", he said), trains at the unfashionable Times ABC before the amateurs stampede in, and has to travel to other gyms for quality sparring. But nice guy Ian insists that growing up in a close family helped him to deal with all the setbacks, as well as introducing him to the boxing life from a young age. "Dad [Colin] was a trainer obviously and Colin [Jr, brother, and Ian's trainer] started boxing before me. We trained at St Pancras, which later became the Kronk. "We're a real close family. My older brother Keith was a boxer too, but now works as an electrician. He's also the official crazed lunatic at ringside when I box now. "I always know I'm doing well when I can hear him, and people watching must think I've brought hundreds of fans with me!" Now 25, Ian is keen to push on, although the opportunity for the recent career-best win over Henry Castle (who was due to fight British champ Johanneson in his next fight) came purely by chance. "I was training for a six-rounder on the bill [Ian Napa-Simone Maludrottu in March] but it got cut to a four against John Baguley. "I was a bit deflated; I'd wanted a six for ages. Castle was down to box Steve Gethin, who withdrew the day before, then Baguley pulled out on the morning of the fight. "So Castle and I were matched up. I think, in all honesty, Frank [Maloney, who manages both] thought I'd lose but would come out the better for the experience. But I had no time to be nervous and Colin [Jr] said I could beat him." Ian did, so what of the future? A rematch with Castle has been mooted - mainly by Henry's camp - and Johanesson is obviously a target, but is it a little too soon? "I'd take Castle again, no problem, but I'd like it to be for a title, English or interim British. "The chiropractor is confident he can get me up and running, which is ironic, because running is about all I'm capable of doing right now [back playing up again]. "Then after that, it'll be Johanneson or, if he relinquishes, maybe a fight for the vacant title. "I really want to get back in there and capitalise on my momentum." Johanneson may be a little one-dimensional but has proven to be a fine champion and a formidable operator at British level. Plus he has all that experience sparring and fighting in the US. But none of this fazes Wilson. "Look, he's strong, fit, and a big puncher. I'll assume it'll go 12 hard rounds. He was a class act when he beat [Ricky] Burns, forcing him to fight his fight. But I wouldn't fall into that trap. I would move off angles, land hard counters, use plenty of head movement, box short and long. I wouldn't be afraid to mix it up. "Also, I'd use my southpaw advantages to stay outside of him. Everyone in the gym says I'm really evasive. He's a great fighter but I'd say I'm just as good, and I'd give myself the edge in speed and, most importantly, mental strength. That's my biggest asset." I am left in no doubt how much the Lonsdale Belt means to him. "My dad trained PJ Gallagher, who was kind of my hero growing up, to the British title at the same weight. To think that six or seven years later [actually 11] I could emulate that, that would mean so much to me. "The main thing for me, whenever my career ends, is to know I gave it 100 per cent, always came in fit and never took anyone lightly. Walk away, look myself in the eye, and know I've done my best." |
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