Jordan Gill shadow boxes around the gym as he completes his warm up routine. It is the fifth day of his training camp in Dubai and confidence is sky high for the Sheffield man ahead of his return to the ring in London on March 28.
The former Commonwealth and WBA International featherweight champion, who boast a stunning 24-1-0 record, is always striving for improvement.
The 27-year-old got back to winning ways against Yesner Talavera in Italy in November after suffering his maiden pro defeat against Mario Enrique Tinoco four months earlier.
Now close to full-fitness, the Chatteris fighter will be in the ring on the undercard of David Avanesyan’s long-awaited showdown against Josh Kelly in five weeks’ time.
Health is primary for any sports star and his temporary period of inactivity and rest is only going to stand to him in the long run.
“I feel really good. I’m feeling positive about the whole year with some big fights. And pushing on and seeing where we get to. Hopefully we can break into the top-15 in the world and stay there,” Gill told Sport360 at Real Boxing Only Gym in Al Quoz.
“I feel like we’ve done a lot of foundation work, fitness, technical work to get to this stage. Now it’s the time we do a bit more sparring, maybe two to three times a week, building up the rounds and getting that fighting fitness.
“There is nothing close to fighting like sparring. In the last week, week and a half before the fight, we’ll taper down and do some speed stuff.”
His coach, Dave Coldwell, a former professional himself, believes Gill has the potential to clinch world titles over the next few years.
“Jordan’s got potential to win different world titles. Whether he can mentally unlock that potential, that’s key. He’s had a bad year health-wise but he’s looking good. He’s a better fighter now again. It’s flowing easier. I’m over the moon with him,” he said.
His team-mate Hopey Price is a slick southpaw from Leeds, who secured gold at the 2018 Olympic Youth Games in Argentina to add to his two European Championships and seven national times.
A rising talent on the British boxing scene, the super-bantamweight fought on Katie Taylor’s undercard in Manchester in early November, and then in Saudi Arabia for the Anthony Joshua v Andy Ruiz undercard.
“It was unbelievable out there. There was only me, (Anthony) Joshua and Dillian Whyte from Britain. Whoever was watching, a lot more people wanted to know who I was. For my profile it was massive,” he recalls.
Price stopped Swedi Mohamed in the third round on that historic night in Diriyah and big opportunities surely lie ahead for 5ft 9’ fighter.
“I want to keep learning and keep improving. Dave said by the time I’m 21 I’ll be let off the leash and be allowed to fight for titles. This year will be a big part to play in my progression,” said Price, who holds a 2-0 pro record.
It’s hard to believe that Price is only 19. As this journalist notes, he hasn’t seen people with his maturity even at 29, which is a testament to his upbringing and general focus in and out of the ring.
“I’m only young so there’s no rush. There will be a lot more opportunities to box. I will be busy this year and I’m going to make a big name for myself,” he said.
“I know where I want to get and I have my head screwed on to achieve that.”
Coldwell has been impressed by the young man and, added to Gill, believes both have the right mentality and drive to succeed on the grand stage.
“He’s got the best attitude. Him and Jordan get on so well. They are willing to do anything to get to world number one. They are both seriously ambitious and they want to learn,” he said.
The Real Boxing Only Gym, founded and managed by Michelle Kuehn in 2018, has a partnership with Coldwell’s boxers, and the team train there regularly in between fights.
Tucked away in Al Quoz, the gym provides quality space, unrivaled equipment and a fantastic atmosphere, while also allowing the fighters to break away from the less favorable British weather.
“This is one of the best gyms I’ve been in and I’ve travelled all over the world. I’ve been sparring in Japan, Los Angeles, Las Vegas. These facilities are the best I’ve come across. It’s got everything you need,” said Gill.
Coldwell praises the gym further and believes it is a significant difference in helping his fighters’ preparations.
“The facilities are great. You’ve got plenty of floor space and nearly every bag that you need, but it’s the vibe of the place. A gym can be anything, a garage, a shed. It doesn’t make a difference,” he said.
“However, if it’s not got a soul or a vibe then you don’t get the atmosphere. The atmosphere goes to what you are creating, and this gym has that atmosphere and the soul.”
