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Rendall Munroe is back in the gym – and there’s more than a little spring in his step -as he looks clearly excited about his forthcoming world title shot against WBC Super-Bantamweight Champion – Toshiaki Nishioka of Japan .
Nishioka has successfully defended the WBC Title three times since winning the title in January, 2009.
On Wednesday, SaddoBoxing went along to Somercotes, Derby, to check on Munroe and the Team. It’s always a welcoming atmosphere – filled with laughter at the Shinfields Gym – albeit a bit hot Wednesday!
At the moment, Munroe does two training sessions and one conditioning session a week at the Gym, as well as keeping in shape at his local Fitness Centre (Greens) and – of course – mauling bins during the day-job!
“Rendall will be back in the gym full-time at the end of August,” trainer Jason Shinfield said. “That gives us his usual eight weeks of solid training which will include two weeks prior to the fight in Tokyo .”
Munroe – who always keeps in good shape (just because he enjoys it) – is just a stone over his target weight (although you wouldn’t know it!) with three months to go before he faces Nishioka in October.
“We’ve already been doing some training specifically adapted to Toshiaki’s style” Jason continued, “..and he’s a southpaw. He’s very well-respected in Japan – a bit like Pacquiao is in the Philippines.”
I asked about the climate he was expecting in Japan , “It should still be warmish in October, between 13 (min) – 21 degrees (max) centigrade.
But we’ve been told to expect a difference in the air even though Tokyo is only slightly above sea- level, so we intend to fit in some altitude training to get him used to it”.
Munroe – back from his run was now shadow boxing in the ring, taking time to share a joke with Super Scotty Haywood – always on hand to provide the entertainment! Jason gets in to the ring with him and they begin several rounds of pad-work watched by Manager – Mike Shinfield.
Next, Munroe pounds away at one of the many punch-bags hanging in the gym. When he finishes off his session with stretching exercises – Jason ‘helps’ (!) by pushing down on Rendall’s legs – it looks agony and Rendall grimaces.
He and Jason tell me that there’s already a lot of interest from friends and fans who are hoping to make the trip over to Japan . “Some people have already booked travel. We’re looking forward to seeing all those luminous yellow jackets when we get in the arena!” Jason laughs.
After training, Rendall emerges from the changing room in his new Ed Hardy baseball cap (with tag still attached) a red, long string vest, long shorts and ankle socks halfway up his calves. Jason jibes him about it and insists he get a photo taken! “It’s my style” Rendall laughs, “Soon everyone will be dressing like this!”
SaddoBoxing.com will be keeping up with Rendall’s training as he prepares for the WBC Super-Bantamweight Title in Tokyo this October.
