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Interview with Rocky ‘From Stocky’ Fielding
By britishboxers on May 14, 2012
14th May 2012
 |
| Rocky winning Prizefighter |
Unbeaten
super-middleweight prospect Rocky Fielding is on this Friday’s debut
presentation of BoxAcademy on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546)
live and exclusive from the Oldham Leisure Centre.
super-middleweight prospect Rocky Fielding is on this Friday’s debut
presentation of BoxAcademy on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546)
live and exclusive from the Oldham Leisure Centre.
Rocky
“from Stocky” goes in over six rounds, aiming to take his record to
10-0 and features alongside fellow Liverpudlian talents Joe Selkirk and
Paul Butler.
“from Stocky” goes in over six rounds, aiming to take his record to
10-0 and features alongside fellow Liverpudlian talents Joe Selkirk and
Paul Butler.
BoxAcademy
is a new exciting monthly live show that will showcase the best young
prospects in tough, action-packed, fights to develop quicker to
championship level.
is a new exciting monthly live show that will showcase the best young
prospects in tough, action-packed, fights to develop quicker to
championship level.
Name: Michael Fielding
Weight: Super middleweight
Born: Liverpool
Age: 24
Family background: I’m
the middle of three boys. Neither of the other two boxed; too lazy! I
live in Warrington now, away from Liverpool. It’s closer to my coach
Oliver Harrison’s gym and allows me to keep me head down.
the middle of three boys. Neither of the other two boxed; too lazy! I
live in Warrington now, away from Liverpool. It’s closer to my coach
Oliver Harrison’s gym and allows me to keep me head down.
Trade:
Since leaving school I worked at my uncle’s drainage company but I’ve
been full-time with the boxing since getting involved with the England
amateur set up.
Since leaving school I worked at my uncle’s drainage company but I’ve
been full-time with the boxing since getting involved with the England
amateur set up.
Nickname: ‘Rocky’. Nothing to do with boxing! I was just a huge 10lb baby and ever since I’ve been ‘The Rock’.
What age did you become interested in boxing and why? Initially,
I was only interested in playing football. Me dad Michael ‘Tosh’
Fielding played in Everton’s FA Youth Cup winning team in 1984 then
played a bit for a couple of lower league teams. Around the age of 30,
he suddenly got the urge to start boxing and had about 15 amateur bouts.
Only (2005 world amateur bronze medallist) Neil Perkins beat him. When I
was nine, I tagged along with him. I was a real active kid; did
anything that’d keep me off the streets
I was only interested in playing football. Me dad Michael ‘Tosh’
Fielding played in Everton’s FA Youth Cup winning team in 1984 then
played a bit for a couple of lower league teams. Around the age of 30,
he suddenly got the urge to start boxing and had about 15 amateur bouts.
Only (2005 world amateur bronze medallist) Neil Perkins beat him. When I
was nine, I tagged along with him. I was a real active kid; did
anything that’d keep me off the streets
What do you recall of your amateur career? I
started out with the Stockbridge club. (Ex British and Commonwealth
light-heavy king) Tony Bellew was there at the time. After just two
fights, I got to the national schoolboys final but I got beat.
started out with the Stockbridge club. (Ex British and Commonwealth
light-heavy king) Tony Bellew was there at the time. After just two
fights, I got to the national schoolboys final but I got beat.
After
a while I moved to the Salisbury club and, when I was there, I won two
national Junior ABA titles, in Barnsley, then London, and got beat in
another national schools final. Winning that first Junior ABA was my
amateur highlight cos it kick-started my international career and
shortly after I won the Junior Four Nations in Port Talbot, Wales.
a while I moved to the Salisbury club and, when I was there, I won two
national Junior ABA titles, in Barnsley, then London, and got beat in
another national schools final. Winning that first Junior ABA was my
amateur highlight cos it kick-started my international career and
shortly after I won the Junior Four Nations in Port Talbot, Wales.
When
I was about 19, I joined the Rotunda club in Kirkdale but broke me jaw,
sparring with me mouth open and that put me out for 18 months. First
year back, I reached the senior English ABA final at light-heavy but got
beat by (five time Hungarian champion) Istvan Szucs, who was then
boxing out the All Stars gym. The following two seasons I got robbed in
the English quarter finals by the same kid, Lawrence Oseuke from
Northumbria.
I was about 19, I joined the Rotunda club in Kirkdale but broke me jaw,
sparring with me mouth open and that put me out for 18 months. First
year back, I reached the senior English ABA final at light-heavy but got
beat by (five time Hungarian champion) Istvan Szucs, who was then
boxing out the All Stars gym. The following two seasons I got robbed in
the English quarter finals by the same kid, Lawrence Oseuke from
Northumbria.
All
told, I’d have had about 70 bouts and lost between 15 and 18. I boxed
for England roughly 10 times and got a silver medal at a multi-nations
over in Jordan. I was on the GB Development set-up in Sheffield for a
few months at weekends but I weren’t getting any fights except in the
ABAs so I went pro.
told, I’d have had about 70 bouts and lost between 15 and 18. I boxed
for England roughly 10 times and got a silver medal at a multi-nations
over in Jordan. I was on the GB Development set-up in Sheffield for a
few months at weekends but I weren’t getting any fights except in the
ABAs so I went pro.
Looking
back, the amateurs was great. I got to travel all over and met some
boss lads. The Smith brothers (Paul, Stephen, Liam and Callum) plus
Bellew, Joseph McNally and Joey Selkirk were all at the Rotunda while I
was there and I went away with Amir Khan on north-west squads.
back, the amateurs was great. I got to travel all over and met some
boss lads. The Smith brothers (Paul, Stephen, Liam and Callum) plus
Bellew, Joseph McNally and Joey Selkirk were all at the Rotunda while I
was there and I went away with Amir Khan on north-west squads.
Why did you decide to turn pro when you did? My
final two years it became very hard getting any fights on club shows.
After losing in the ABA quarters, I begged my coach to get me a bout
with Obed Mbwakongo, the England number one, but he pulled out the week
before so I turned over. I wanted to box the best so needed to keep the
ball rolling. Derry Mathews put a word in for me with (Salford pro
trainer) Oliver Harrison and I signed pro with him.
final two years it became very hard getting any fights on club shows.
After losing in the ABA quarters, I begged my coach to get me a bout
with Obed Mbwakongo, the England number one, but he pulled out the week
before so I turned over. I wanted to box the best so needed to keep the
ball rolling. Derry Mathews put a word in for me with (Salford pro
trainer) Oliver Harrison and I signed pro with him.
Tell us about your back up team: Since winning the Prizefighter,
I’ve been promoted by Frank Warren. Before I just featured on small
shows promoted by Oliver. He’s managed and trained me from the start.
He’d taken Amir Khan 17 fights unbeaten and got Jamie Moore British,
Commonwealth and European titles plus he had Martin Murray.
I’ve been promoted by Frank Warren. Before I just featured on small
shows promoted by Oliver. He’s managed and trained me from the start.
He’d taken Amir Khan 17 fights unbeaten and got Jamie Moore British,
Commonwealth and European titles plus he had Martin Murray.
We
gelled immediately. He’s a good fella who looks after ya. No one here
kills each other in sparring. He gets tactics ‘spot on’ and is very big
on ‘tech’ work, goes over the same shot repeatedly until you get it
correct.
gelled immediately. He’s a good fella who looks after ya. No one here
kills each other in sparring. He gets tactics ‘spot on’ and is very big
on ‘tech’ work, goes over the same shot repeatedly until you get it
correct.
My nutrition, what to eat and when to eat it, is organised by the fella from Liverpool FC.
What’s your training schedule? Which parts do you most and least enjoy? I
train six days a week with Sunday off. If I’m ticking over, I usually
go to Oliver’s on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am till noon. On
Tuesdays and Thursdays I go to David Lloyd’s to do weights or the Strong
Man and Iron Man circuits. I might also pop into the Stockbridge
amateur gym and help out with the kids there. I do my running in the
evening and on Saturday we do our hill sprints.
train six days a week with Sunday off. If I’m ticking over, I usually
go to Oliver’s on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am till noon. On
Tuesdays and Thursdays I go to David Lloyd’s to do weights or the Strong
Man and Iron Man circuits. I might also pop into the Stockbridge
amateur gym and help out with the kids there. I do my running in the
evening and on Saturday we do our hill sprints.
When
me fight’s coming up, I go to Oliver’s every day. Over a week, we do
all the usual, shadow, technique pads and sparring, bar-bag, but you
never know exactly what Ollie’s got in store for you until you arrive.
He’s got this mad 14 station, 45 minute circuit with all different
weights. Two days a week, Johnny Roy from Preston, who works my corner,
comes to the gym. He’s a very good pad man.
me fight’s coming up, I go to Oliver’s every day. Over a week, we do
all the usual, shadow, technique pads and sparring, bar-bag, but you
never know exactly what Ollie’s got in store for you until you arrive.
He’s got this mad 14 station, 45 minute circuit with all different
weights. Two days a week, Johnny Roy from Preston, who works my corner,
comes to the gym. He’s a very good pad man.
I
most enjoy sparring with Martin Murray. He’s been at world level so
it’s great experience for me. Often we’ll do 10 rounds straight off.
I’ve got to be honest, I really enjoy every aspect of training, but
I’m not fussed on dieting. Oliver’s always on your case. I walk around
about 12.12 but, provided I train hard and eat properly, doing super
middle isn’t a problem.
most enjoy sparring with Martin Murray. He’s been at world level so
it’s great experience for me. Often we’ll do 10 rounds straight off.
I’ve got to be honest, I really enjoy every aspect of training, but
I’m not fussed on dieting. Oliver’s always on your case. I walk around
about 12.12 but, provided I train hard and eat properly, doing super
middle isn’t a problem.
Describe your style? What are your best qualities? I
can change styles, even do a bit of southpaw. I can dig deep and fight
if I have to but I prefer them to come on to me so I can pick ‘em off
with counterpunches. Make ‘em miss, make ‘em pay. I don’t like getting
hit!
can change styles, even do a bit of southpaw. I can dig deep and fight
if I have to but I prefer them to come on to me so I can pick ‘em off
with counterpunches. Make ‘em miss, make ‘em pay. I don’t like getting
hit!
What specifically do you need to work on to fully optimise your potential as a fighter? Getting
longer fights against better opposition. I guarantee it won’t be any
harder than sparring ten rounds straight off with Martin Murray. I’ll
look better when the other fella’s trying to knock me head off rather
than just cover up.
longer fights against better opposition. I guarantee it won’t be any
harder than sparring ten rounds straight off with Martin Murray. I’ll
look better when the other fella’s trying to knock me head off rather
than just cover up.
Hopefully, next fight, I’ll be stepping up to eight rounds. I don’t need to rush though. I’ve only been pro 18 months.
What have you found to be the biggest difference between the pro and amateur codes? Harder
training for longer rounds. As a pro, we do everything in one session
whereas in the amateurs it tended to be either sparring, or pads, or
bags.
training for longer rounds. As a pro, we do everything in one session
whereas in the amateurs it tended to be either sparring, or pads, or
bags.
The
amateurs is just about speed; everything 100mph. The pace of the pros
is a bit slower and it’s far tougher. In the amateurs, every time
someone’s head got jolted back they’d get a standing count but those pro
journeymen get hit with everything and are still there. Very tough men!
amateurs is just about speed; everything 100mph. The pace of the pros
is a bit slower and it’s far tougher. In the amateurs, every time
someone’s head got jolted back they’d get a standing count but those pro
journeymen get hit with everything and are still there. Very tough men!
Who is the best opponent that you’ve shared a ring with? It
would be between Martin Murray and Antony Bellew in sparring. Martin’s
so solid and he’s brilliant defensively. He’s also got good power. I
only sparred Tony when he was pro and I was still amateur but he was
very sharp and taught me loads.
would be between Martin Murray and Antony Bellew in sparring. Martin’s
so solid and he’s brilliant defensively. He’s also got good power. I
only sparred Tony when he was pro and I was still amateur but he was
very sharp and taught me loads.
In March 2011, you won the supermiddleweight version of Prizefighter. What’s your recollection?
One
minute, I was in the pub, next thing I get an offer to take part in
five days time. I had 10lbs to get off but Oliver said we could do it
and it worked out brilliant for me, made me name. For once, the other
fellas wanted to win and came to me, which brought out the best in me
and I stopped them all. The prize money (£32,000) allowed me to go on a
stag do to Mexico with 45 other lads and sort out the deposit on me
house.
minute, I was in the pub, next thing I get an offer to take part in
five days time. I had 10lbs to get off but Oliver said we could do it
and it worked out brilliant for me, made me name. For once, the other
fellas wanted to win and came to me, which brought out the best in me
and I stopped them all. The prize money (£32,000) allowed me to go on a
stag do to Mexico with 45 other lads and sort out the deposit on me
house.
All time favourite fighter: Probably Mayweather. I like that cockiness!
All time favourite fight: Those Gatti-Ward fights.
Which current match would you most like to see made? Same
as everyone. Mayweather-Pacquiao. Pacman’s brilliant but Mayweather’s
even better, has a bit more skill. Floyd wins a tough, close fight.
as everyone. Mayweather-Pacquiao. Pacman’s brilliant but Mayweather’s
even better, has a bit more skill. Floyd wins a tough, close fight.
What is your routine on fight day? I’ll
wake around 8ish, have something like scrambled egg on toast for
brekkie, then lounge in bed until 11 or midday. After, I may have a game
of snooker with me mates.
wake around 8ish, have something like scrambled egg on toast for
brekkie, then lounge in bed until 11 or midday. After, I may have a game
of snooker with me mates.
Throughout
the day I’ll have proteins; pasta, cous-cous and get loads of fluids
back into my body. I’ll stop eating two hours before I leave for the
venue. I’ll try and have a couple of hours kip in the afternoon or just
‘chill’ with me music on. I always leave from my mum’s house not mine.
It’s just a routine.
the day I’ll have proteins; pasta, cous-cous and get loads of fluids
back into my body. I’ll stop eating two hours before I leave for the
venue. I’ll try and have a couple of hours kip in the afternoon or just
‘chill’ with me music on. I always leave from my mum’s house not mine.
It’s just a routine.
I’m
very relaxed. In fact, I’d like to be a bit more nervous! At the arena,
I start to get excited. I’ll lace me gloves then, from the first shot I
throw on Oliver’s pads, the nerves kick in and I’m ready to go.
very relaxed. In fact, I’d like to be a bit more nervous! At the arena,
I start to get excited. I’ll lace me gloves then, from the first shot I
throw on Oliver’s pads, the nerves kick in and I’m ready to go.
Entrance music: The ‘Rocky’ theme tune.
What are your ambitions as a boxer? By
the end of 2012, I’d like to have won a couple of belts; maybe an Area
or English title. Frank and Oliver will know when I’m ready to step up
for the British. Ultimately I want the British and Commonwealth then
hopefully the European and world titles.
the end of 2012, I’d like to have won a couple of belts; maybe an Area
or English title. Frank and Oliver will know when I’m ready to step up
for the British. Ultimately I want the British and Commonwealth then
hopefully the European and world titles.
How do you relax? I
don’t get much free time because, except for a couple of weeks in
August, I’m always training, always ticking over. I like to go away on
holidays with me girlfriend or play snooker or pool and have a pint with
me mates at the local pub. Sunday mornings, I like to watch the lads
play footy. I’m always itching to get on meself but can’t take the risk.
don’t get much free time because, except for a couple of weeks in
August, I’m always training, always ticking over. I like to go away on
holidays with me girlfriend or play snooker or pool and have a pint with
me mates at the local pub. Sunday mornings, I like to watch the lads
play footy. I’m always itching to get on meself but can’t take the risk.
Football team: I
like both Liverpool and Everton to do well but I’m mostly Everton. I
had a season ticket as a kid and was on their books when I was 11 to 12.
Without being big headed, I was a good kid; leading goalscorer and
Player of the Year every season.
like both Liverpool and Everton to do well but I’m mostly Everton. I
had a season ticket as a kid and was on their books when I was 11 to 12.
Without being big headed, I was a good kid; leading goalscorer and
Player of the Year every season.
Me
Dad withdrew me (from Everton) because, at that age, he just wanted me
to enjoy me football. Several lads in the same club team I played for
are in the (Football) League now, earning good money, and I was just as
good as any of them!
Dad withdrew me (from Everton) because, at that age, he just wanted me
to enjoy me football. Several lads in the same club team I played for
are in the (Football) League now, earning good money, and I was just as
good as any of them!
Read: I
don’t! I’ve not got the patience. I recently got The Four Kings (by
George Kimball) about Hagler, Hearns, Leonard and Duran on Kindle
recently but couldn’t get past page two. No pictures!
don’t! I’ve not got the patience. I recently got The Four Kings (by
George Kimball) about Hagler, Hearns, Leonard and Duran on Kindle
recently but couldn’t get past page two. No pictures!
Music: Justin Bieber and JLS. Seriously!
Films/TV: I
don’t really watch films. I watch loads of old fights and those HBO
24/7s on You Tube to pick up training tips. On the tele, I watch loads
of sport and I like me soaps; Emmerdale, Eastenders and Corrie.
don’t really watch films. I watch loads of old fights and those HBO
24/7s on You Tube to pick up training tips. On the tele, I watch loads
of sport and I like me soaps; Emmerdale, Eastenders and Corrie.
Aspiration in life: To achieve all the things I want to achieve, through hard work. To live in a big mansion with a swimming pool!
Motto: Train Hard, Fight Easy!
The debut of BoxAcademy will be broadcast live on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546) this Friday starting at 7.30pm.
About BoxAcademy
Queensberry Promotions presents the first installment of a new concept
show that will be televised Live and Exclusive on the UK’s new home of
boxing, BoxNation.
BoxAcademy
will be a monthly live show that is solely dedicated to showcasing the
most exciting, young, up and coming domestic talent in tougher, more
action packed fights, designed to develop the young fighters at a
faster rate to Championship level.
will be a monthly live show that is solely dedicated to showcasing the
most exciting, young, up and coming domestic talent in tougher, more
action packed fights, designed to develop the young fighters at a
faster rate to Championship level.
On
one Thursday every month, BoxNation will switch the focus from its huge
array of World, British and European title contests, and give the floor
to a host of former Olympians, amateur champions and unbeaten
prospects, as the UK’s elite young talent is given the chance to be the
main focus of the show in BoxAcademy.
one Thursday every month, BoxNation will switch the focus from its huge
array of World, British and European title contests, and give the floor
to a host of former Olympians, amateur champions and unbeaten
prospects, as the UK’s elite young talent is given the chance to be the
main focus of the show in BoxAcademy.
BoxAcademy
will visit the various regional hot-beds for young boxing talent around
the country, visiting a different city each month.
will visit the various regional hot-beds for young boxing talent around
the country, visiting a different city each month.
BoxNation’s
televised coverage of BoxAcademy events will be supplemented with an
array of behind the scenes interviews, training footage and background
stories, giving viewers the chance to get to properly know tomorrow’s
champions.
televised coverage of BoxAcademy events will be supplemented with an
array of behind the scenes interviews, training footage and background
stories, giving viewers the chance to get to properly know tomorrow’s
champions.
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