I thought I’d write a little message to let you know that I have absolutely no intention of retiring and that I am back in training. I fully intend to work hard and show to myself, my team and the boxing public that my last two performances were nowhere near the level that I know that I can reach. My team are frustrated and disappointed with my last two performances but have assured me they will get me another opportunity to get back in the ring as soon as possible and start winning again.
I’m not making excuses or looking to blame anybody but myself for my current predicament but I’m confident that the best of me is yet to come and if I make some adjustments, I can rediscover my enthusiasm and re-dedicate myself to my goal of winning a world title.
The only time that retirement will become an option is if an opponent either outclasses me and takes me out or I can no longer find the motivation to train anymore and to put my body through the hours and hours of physical toil in the gym. Neither of these two things have been the problems with the last two fights. I’ve basically given away my last two fights by not switching on. Upon hours of reflection and discussions with all of my team, I have realised that I have turned up to fight without being 100% prepared for victory which has lead to my lack of performance.
To cut a long story short, Thell is no longer involved with my training due to his lengthy commitments to Hasim Rahman. My confidence and focus comes from knowing that I have done all that I need to do in camp and that I am ready for victory no matter what my opponent brings. I can honestly say that for my last two fights this has not been the case and this has been reflected in the ring. As a result, this week I fly to Florida to begin working with Buddy McGirt. I believe that Buddy has what it takes to help me improve my performances in training camp and in the ring. I’ve been told that I will be in the ring again before the end of June so I’m going back to training and going to give it 100% to overcome the failings of my last two performances.
I’m grateful to Kenny Croom for coming back on board to help with this fight at short notice, and also to Kelvyn Travis and my brother Terry who all mucked in to get the job done as best they could. Also, I wish to thank the strength coach we employed George Whitehead and padman Luis Lagerman along with my chiropractor William Moyal who came on board and assisted me during camp. Also, I want to thank the rest of my team and especially my Business Manager Hazel Bruno-Gilbert who came out to Miami and to the fight and set everything up for the team allowing me to switch off from everything except boxing. Also, I want to express thanks to my advisor Al Haymon for getting me opportunities and continuing to believe in my potential.
To be honest, the answer lies within me and it’s taken two unnecessary losses for me to realise how close I’ve come to throwing so much away. Life for me has never been easy, but I’ve always found a way to overcome adversity and defy common opinion and achieve my goals. This is the biggest challenge of my life so far, at a time when I have so much personal satisfaction in my life – a beautiful wife and a baby on the way – I refuse to end my career like this. To all my family, friends and all those fans and associates who have believed in me and listened to my rhetoric over the years, I REFUSE TO WALK AWAY. I am going to train harder, listen more, believe more, focus more and do whatever is necessary to get back on track.
No more Bull….
There will less talking from me as I focus my life and energies on training camp and future fights but big love to the fans that stay loyal and wish to see me succeed despite the obstacles ahead.
Bless up
A-Force – Still Believing.
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