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By Ezio Prapotnich
19 years old southpaw Light Middleweight Joe Catchpole is the youngest member of Spencer Fearon’s Hard Knocks stable. After a year as a pro, his record stands at 3-0-1, the draw coming from his last bout against Steve Spence (2-4-2, 1 ko). His chance to erase the only “blemish” on his record will come in a rematch on Saturday 18 at York Hall, on the undercard os Summer Smash, the next Hard Knocks event.
Boxinginsider.com: First of all, what happened in the last fight? What was the factor that prevented you from winning?
Joe Catchpole: The weight was a major issue. The fight was made at Welterweight but I have outgrown the limit. I had to lose 11lbs 7 days before the fight. I was dehydrated and felt completely drained.
Boxinginsider.com: What weight will be the rematch at?
Joe Catchpole: It will ne at Light Middle with a 2lb allowance. I can make 11.2 comfortably, but, most importantly, I followed my diet properly this time and will be spot on for the fight.
Boxinginsider.com: Have you made any other adjustements in order to secure the result?
Joe Catchpole: First of all, I have changed trainer and re-arranged my whole lifestyle. I established a comfortable routine, where I eat properly and allow enough rest between workouts. Everything is clicking perfectly.
Boxinginsider.com: During this first year as a pro, you were the first one to identify head movement and defense as two areas you needed to refine. Any improvement so far?
Joe Catchpole: I have been working on these things on the pads and having quality sparring every day. I hold my hands a lot higher, slip shots more and counter with combinations. You will see a massive difference on the 18th
Boxinginsider.com: Even though you box well on the back foot, you seem to favor a come forward/pressure approach. What style do you feel more comfortable with? are you able to switch if need be?
Joe Catchpole: Obviously, an aggressive style makes bouts more exciting and entertaining for the crowd, but, while trying to impress, I ended up leaving myself open and wasting too many shots. I learned to be smart, using my jab and firing solid shots only when i see an opening. Once I have the opponent hurt, then I will switch and storm on him to finish the job in style.
Boxinginsider.com: Can we safely say that your days at Welter are over? Is 154 the division where you plan to achieve your professional goal?
Joe Catchpole: My days at Welter are definitely over. I feel good at 154, but, at 19 years of age, I am still growing and I could not exclude moving to 160. I do believe, though, that the current Light middleweight division is buzzing at the moment. Prince Arron is the champion, but everybody in the top ten ranking is a good fighter. I can definitely see an exciting future in there.
Summer Smash will take place at York Hall, Bethanl Green, from 6 pm onwards on Saturday the 18th of June. Tickets are £35 unreserved and £60 ringside and can be purchased on www.hardknocksboxing.info.
