Journeymen: How does it feel when they eventually gain? | Boxing Information
JORDAN GRANNUM, 11-133-5
THE new pro was emotion superior about himself when The Islington Gazette rang him in advance of his debut.
“I assume I can be difficult for planet titles in four or 5 a long time,” he instructed them. “I’ve bought all the pictures to choose me all the way to the top.”
It was September 2015, and 22-calendar year-outdated Jordan Grannum seemed a excellent prospect. As an amateur with Islington and Finchley and District ABCs, he gained Haringey Box Cup gold and back-to-again Enhancement championships through his 31-bout apprenticeship.
Grannum gained his initially two professional fights as very well – eight months apart – ahead of a 14-thirty day period break during which time he had a rethink. “I knew I couldn’t offer tickets,” he mentioned, “so I asked (the late) Greg (Steene): ‘What can I do?’” The remedy was basic. Go on the street.
“I’d heard the phrase ‘journeyman’ prior to, but I hadn’t a clue what a journeyman was. So, I did research on individuals like William Warburton and Kristian Laight.”
Grannum learned how the boxing business enterprise labored and in only his 3rd battle, he took on 17-1 Ryan Brawley in Glasgow.
“I dropped him in the previous spherical,” stated Grannum, “and when he obtained up, I helped him through it. As an newbie, I would alternatively die than shed, but I settled into this role so immediately.
“They put me in the worst hotel I’ve ever stayed in, and I keep in mind sitting there and wanting at all my funds on the desk and wondering: ‘This is me.’”
On Saturday, May well 4, Grannum is pencilled in to have his 150th struggle, however it may perhaps occur prior to then.
Grannum has proved lately that, when in the mood, he can fight. He upset 5- Tyler Rivers final thirty day period and reported: “I have allow my fingers go more this time. But I require to just take negligible damage and the more you open up up, the additional prospect you have of acquiring caught.”
Grannum does not get caught a great deal. In 149 fights – 147 of them on the appropriate-hand side of the monthly bill – he claims the worst injuries he’s picked up are a fractured rib and a swollen eye, putting the latter down to a auto incident he was concerned in a few days prior to he boxed.
He claims Irish punching equipment Aaron McKenna gave him one of his most difficult evenings in December, 2020.
“It was throughout (the) covid (pandemic) and I hadn’t boxed for nine months,” mentioned Grannum.
“Your system gets conditioned to getting punches and I hadn’t taken a punch for nine months. I took the battle for some money before Xmas.”
He gained his dollars the tricky way, McKenna forcing him to retire right after two rounds.
Only 3 times has Grannum failed to listen to the closing bell and, since of that toughness, he is aware of only as well perfectly that prospective clients “want to make a assertion by halting me.”
He says his occupation has been created easier by a modify in lifestyle.
“For my first 120-130 fights I would change up immediately after staying out the evening prior to,” he reported. “My expertise and practical experience would get me as a result of, but it could be unpleasant. I produced it more at ease for myself by schooling more challenging.
“I however come to feel clean. I feel like I have experienced 49 fights, alternatively than 149 fights.”
Grannum has not entirely specified up hope of a person working day fulfilling his prospective.
“One major connect with could alter all the things,” he reported. “I have a foot in the doorway and they are normally heading to need opponents on large displays.
“If I conquer a prospect, the cell phone phone calls may gradual down – or I could possibly get another opportunity.”
If that does not transpire?
“I would fortunately fight on compact corridor reveals and pick up losses right until I have the revenue for a residence,” said Grannum. “I appreciate fighting and I adore building funds, so this is the best position for me.”
Jordan Grannum beats Ali Wyatt
LEE HALLETT, 2-74-4
Outside the York Corridor past thirty day period, Johnny Greaves sucked on a cigarette and questioned wherever it had all long gone mistaken. The fighter he manages experienced received – and winning is not constantly good for company.
Greaves was always in the business of shedding fights – he lost 96 of 100 – and he’s passing on his understanding to Lee Hallett.
“There’s been several occasions when I’ve assumed: ‘I could flip this lad above,’” reported Hallett, “but then the cellphone won’t ring and I will not get to my target. I will by no means get to 100 fights if I start profitable way too many…”
The focus on is in fact 101, a person far more than Greaves.
Johnny satisfied Hallett when he was a schoolboy at East Ham ABC. “I was a senior and served him out with education when he was a young kid,” mentioned Greaves, also a southpaw from Canning Town.
The pair have been reunited after Hallett acquired a ticket for Greaves’ final battle, a details get in excess of Dan Carr at the York Hall in September, 2013. “I seemed up to Johnny,” explained Hallett, a father of two who is effective in restoration. “I required to do what he experienced done. I experienced assumed about turning professional a couple of several years before as a prospect.
“I satisfied a manager when I was 25 and he advised me how it is effective with offering tickets. I was unbeaten in the unlicensed circuit, received a couple of titles. I did all right on the tickets. I would do 100, but then the subsequent fight it would be 30 or 40. I didn’t want to train my heart out for two or three months and then not offer more than enough tickets. I had a young loved ones to help.”
Greaves explained to him: “Unless you have Frank (Warren) or Eddie (Hearn) backing you, the only way to make money is to go on the road.”
That was how Greaves did it.
“My to start with 20 fights I thought I received 7 or 8 and I did not even gain a round (in accordance to the referee),” he remembered and that led to a rethink.
Greaves resolved that if he was going to reduce, he may possibly as properly keep himself risk-free – alternatively of “going home bashed up, slice and beaten” – and put on a present.
“I tried using to entertain the group much more than the other boys (journeymen),” he explained. “I would speak to the crowd, stick my tongue out, do the Ali shuffle.
“Lee will get a whole lot more concerned than I believe he should really. We have a diverse state of mind in some cases.”
Hallet explained: “I like to give them a struggle. I like to give them a exam.”
A pro at 30, Hallett didn’t take a look at his 1st opponent, on the other hand.
“I went about it entirely erroneous,” he reported of the initial-round stoppage reduction to Callen McAulay in Paisley in April 2018. “I was chubby and went out for a run at four o’clock on the early morning of the combat to get the weight off. By the time I arrived to fight, I had practically nothing in the tank. I bought hit on the leading of the head and finished up on my knees.”
Hallett has been stopped only after in 79 subsequent fights. He ended a in the vicinity of five-year winless streak when he outpointed Tyler Chambers at the York Hall on March 16.
“Usually when I (sense like I) earn, I get thrilled,” said Lee. “I was shocked. There have been so numerous situations when I would get to the stop and thought to myself: ‘I could get this’ and then it goes absolutely the opposite way.”
As was the situation in Coventry last thirty day period when he fought Leicester debutant Ali Meesam.
“I imagined I experienced won every spherical,” stated Hallett of the 39-38 points reverse. “I experienced my hand up and then I got robbed.”
Greaves reported: “Lee can be a challenging night’s perform for any one. He has allow himself down with a deficiency of motivation sometimes and he doesn’t have the most self-assurance in the planet. He over thinks almost everything. He wasn’t as loose as I was. He does not enable himself go.
“He isn’t as wise defensively as I was, but he is the greatest on the street in the region for me.”
Hallett suggests York Hall is “my property venue, but I’m normally combating out of the absent corner.”
Lee, who has daughters Macie (15) and Darcie (8) with partner Michaela, would like to finish his profession there, as the dwelling fighter.
“I would like to get a several individuals there and demonstrate them what I’m genuinely all about,” he explained.
GENADIJ KRAJEVSKIJ, 1-69
SOMEONE’S ‘0’ experienced to go when Krajevskij faced Ryan Broten in Oldham. Krajevskij was -67, Broten -3.
“I felt like a celebrity,” explained Krajevskij when remembering the aftermath of his factors gain. “Everyone gave me congratulations. I can’t try to remember the previous time I felt like this. It is tricky to get wins. If I combat folks at my level, it’s distinct, but I battle persons who have received 7 or eight national titles. I struggle tricky, tough boys.”
Krajevskij is a challenging person himself.
He left Lithuania for England with two close friends when he was 21 several years old.
“It was remarkable to start with,” he stated.
“We saw Big Ben and we only ever saw Large Ben on the telly. But we began residing a awful daily life. It was not residing. It was surviving. We were dwelling in a squat with no electrical. I was sleeping on a filthy mattress and waking up for the reason that I was cold. We would go to the outlets and steal bacon due to the fact we have no choice.
“We had no mates, no connections, no perform. My two mates gave up and went household. I didn’t give up. I’m a tough guy.”
He designed a relationship who recommended a go to Liverpool and Krajevskij obtained work on a farm in Southport.
“It was really hard function and stress,” he explained. “I have a awful boss who say: ‘If you really do not do the job more challenging, do not trouble coming in tomorrow.’ It was seasonal operate and following two months, I was left without having function, devoid of any money.”
Krajevskij acquired a task at a common discount retail store and rediscovered boxing.
“I did a small little bit in my nation,” he explained. “I experienced a good friend who lived on my street who received the Lithuanian title twice. He reported: ‘Come to the health club with me.’ It was nothing at all serious. I was youthful. There ended up functions. There had been girls…”
Wayne Smith was a neighbour immediately after Krajevskij moved to Liverpool and he planted the seed about a return to boxing.
Krajevskij went on the white-collar circuit and explained: “I was earning £100-£150 and I won a title.
“It was Mickey Mouse, but I was a winner. I received 27 of 28 fights and somebody advised me I should consider novice boxing.”
He received 4 of 6 and then bumped into ex-pro Shea Neary.
He informed Krajevskij: “You’re a challenging guy, beginner boxing doesn’t pay out your bills. You need to be a journeyman.”
Krajevskij answered: “What’s a journeyman?”
He located out the difficult way.
“I was thinking: ‘What’s mistaken?’” he mentioned. “I earn unlicensed fights and novice fights and now I’m shedding.
“I recognized they ended up a distinct level. They experienced been boxing because they have been six or 7 several years aged. They have improved expertise. If you’re not healthy adequate, you can go to the gym and get the job done on your physical fitness, but they were just superior than me.”
Krajevskij has stuck at it – and received his benefits when he beat Broten.
“It’s been a extensive journey and people say I should really be happy of myself,” stated Krajevksij, who functions for a security firm run by ex-professional Stephen Harkin.
“I will be happy when I have a dwelling and a property finance loan. Which is my concentrate on.”
Krajevskij in motion
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JORDAN GRANNUM, 11-133-5
THE new pro was emotion superior about himself when The Islington Gazette rang him in advance of his debut.
“I assume I can be difficult for planet titles in four or 5 a long time,” he instructed them. “I’ve bought all the pictures to choose me all the way to the top.”
It was September 2015, and 22-calendar year-outdated Jordan Grannum seemed a excellent prospect. As an amateur with Islington and Finchley and District ABCs, he gained Haringey Box Cup gold and back-to-again Enhancement championships through his 31-bout apprenticeship.
Grannum gained his initially two professional fights as very well – eight months apart – ahead of a 14-thirty day period break during which time he had a rethink. “I knew I couldn’t offer tickets,” he mentioned, “so I asked (the late) Greg (Steene): ‘What can I do?’” The remedy was basic. Go on the street.
“I’d heard the phrase ‘journeyman’ prior to, but I hadn’t a clue what a journeyman was. So, I did research on individuals like William Warburton and Kristian Laight.”
Grannum learned how the boxing business enterprise labored and in only his 3rd battle, he took on 17-1 Ryan Brawley in Glasgow.
“I dropped him in the previous spherical,” stated Grannum, “and when he obtained up, I helped him through it. As an newbie, I would alternatively die than shed, but I settled into this role so immediately.
“They put me in the worst hotel I’ve ever stayed in, and I keep in mind sitting there and wanting at all my funds on the desk and wondering: ‘This is me.’”
On Saturday, May well 4, Grannum is pencilled in to have his 150th struggle, however it may perhaps occur prior to then.
Grannum has proved lately that, when in the mood, he can fight. He upset 5- Tyler Rivers final thirty day period and reported: “I have allow my fingers go more this time. But I require to just take negligible damage and the more you open up up, the additional prospect you have of acquiring caught.”
Grannum does not get caught a great deal. In 149 fights – 147 of them on the appropriate-hand side of the monthly bill – he claims the worst injuries he’s picked up are a fractured rib and a swollen eye, putting the latter down to a auto incident he was concerned in a few days prior to he boxed.
He claims Irish punching equipment Aaron McKenna gave him one of his most difficult evenings in December, 2020.
“It was throughout (the) covid (pandemic) and I hadn’t boxed for nine months,” mentioned Grannum.
“Your system gets conditioned to getting punches and I hadn’t taken a punch for nine months. I took the battle for some money before Xmas.”
He gained his dollars the tricky way, McKenna forcing him to retire right after two rounds.
Only 3 times has Grannum failed to listen to the closing bell and, since of that toughness, he is aware of only as well perfectly that prospective clients “want to make a assertion by halting me.”
He says his occupation has been created easier by a modify in lifestyle.
“For my first 120-130 fights I would change up immediately after staying out the evening prior to,” he reported. “My expertise and practical experience would get me as a result of, but it could be unpleasant. I produced it more at ease for myself by schooling more challenging.
“I however come to feel clean. I feel like I have experienced 49 fights, alternatively than 149 fights.”
Grannum has not entirely specified up hope of a person working day fulfilling his prospective.
“One major connect with could alter all the things,” he reported. “I have a foot in the doorway and they are normally heading to need opponents on large displays.
“If I conquer a prospect, the cell phone phone calls may gradual down – or I could possibly get another opportunity.”
If that does not transpire?
“I would fortunately fight on compact corridor reveals and pick up losses right until I have the revenue for a residence,” said Grannum. “I appreciate fighting and I adore building funds, so this is the best position for me.”
Jordan Grannum beats Ali Wyatt
LEE HALLETT, 2-74-4
Outside the York Corridor past thirty day period, Johnny Greaves sucked on a cigarette and questioned wherever it had all long gone mistaken. The fighter he manages experienced received – and winning is not constantly good for company.
Greaves was always in the business of shedding fights – he lost 96 of 100 – and he’s passing on his understanding to Lee Hallett.
“There’s been several occasions when I’ve assumed: ‘I could flip this lad above,’” reported Hallett, “but then the cellphone won’t ring and I will not get to my target. I will by no means get to 100 fights if I start profitable way too many…”
The focus on is in fact 101, a person far more than Greaves.
Johnny satisfied Hallett when he was a schoolboy at East Ham ABC. “I was a senior and served him out with education when he was a young kid,” mentioned Greaves, also a southpaw from Canning Town.
The pair have been reunited after Hallett acquired a ticket for Greaves’ final battle, a details get in excess of Dan Carr at the York Hall in September, 2013. “I seemed up to Johnny,” explained Hallett, a father of two who is effective in restoration. “I required to do what he experienced done. I experienced assumed about turning professional a couple of several years before as a prospect.
“I satisfied a manager when I was 25 and he advised me how it is effective with offering tickets. I was unbeaten in the unlicensed circuit, received a couple of titles. I did all right on the tickets. I would do 100, but then the subsequent fight it would be 30 or 40. I didn’t want to train my heart out for two or three months and then not offer more than enough tickets. I had a young loved ones to help.”
Greaves explained to him: “Unless you have Frank (Warren) or Eddie (Hearn) backing you, the only way to make money is to go on the road.”
That was how Greaves did it.
“My to start with 20 fights I thought I received 7 or 8 and I did not even gain a round (in accordance to the referee),” he remembered and that led to a rethink.
Greaves resolved that if he was going to reduce, he may possibly as properly keep himself risk-free – alternatively of “going home bashed up, slice and beaten” – and put on a present.
“I tried using to entertain the group much more than the other boys (journeymen),” he explained. “I would speak to the crowd, stick my tongue out, do the Ali shuffle.
“Lee will get a whole lot more concerned than I believe he should really. We have a diverse state of mind in some cases.”
Hallet explained: “I like to give them a struggle. I like to give them a exam.”
A pro at 30, Hallett didn’t take a look at his 1st opponent, on the other hand.
“I went about it entirely erroneous,” he reported of the initial-round stoppage reduction to Callen McAulay in Paisley in April 2018. “I was chubby and went out for a run at four o’clock on the early morning of the combat to get the weight off. By the time I arrived to fight, I had practically nothing in the tank. I bought hit on the leading of the head and finished up on my knees.”
Hallett has been stopped only after in 79 subsequent fights. He ended a in the vicinity of five-year winless streak when he outpointed Tyler Chambers at the York Hall on March 16.
“Usually when I (sense like I) earn, I get thrilled,” said Lee. “I was shocked. There have been so numerous situations when I would get to the stop and thought to myself: ‘I could get this’ and then it goes absolutely the opposite way.”
As was the situation in Coventry last thirty day period when he fought Leicester debutant Ali Meesam.
“I imagined I experienced won every spherical,” stated Hallett of the 39-38 points reverse. “I experienced my hand up and then I got robbed.”
Greaves reported: “Lee can be a challenging night’s perform for any one. He has allow himself down with a deficiency of motivation sometimes and he doesn’t have the most self-assurance in the planet. He over thinks almost everything. He wasn’t as loose as I was. He does not enable himself go.
“He isn’t as wise defensively as I was, but he is the greatest on the street in the region for me.”
Hallett suggests York Hall is “my property venue, but I’m normally combating out of the absent corner.”
Lee, who has daughters Macie (15) and Darcie (8) with partner Michaela, would like to finish his profession there, as the dwelling fighter.
“I would like to get a several individuals there and demonstrate them what I’m genuinely all about,” he explained.
GENADIJ KRAJEVSKIJ, 1-69
SOMEONE’S ‘0’ experienced to go when Krajevskij faced Ryan Broten in Oldham. Krajevskij was -67, Broten -3.
“I felt like a celebrity,” explained Krajevskij when remembering the aftermath of his factors gain. “Everyone gave me congratulations. I can’t try to remember the previous time I felt like this. It is tricky to get wins. If I combat folks at my level, it’s distinct, but I battle persons who have received 7 or eight national titles. I struggle tricky, tough boys.”
Krajevskij is a challenging person himself.
He left Lithuania for England with two close friends when he was 21 several years old.
“It was remarkable to start with,” he stated.
“We saw Big Ben and we only ever saw Large Ben on the telly. But we began residing a awful daily life. It was not residing. It was surviving. We were dwelling in a squat with no electrical. I was sleeping on a filthy mattress and waking up for the reason that I was cold. We would go to the outlets and steal bacon due to the fact we have no choice.
“We had no mates, no connections, no perform. My two mates gave up and went household. I didn’t give up. I’m a tough guy.”
He designed a relationship who recommended a go to Liverpool and Krajevskij obtained work on a farm in Southport.
“It was really hard function and stress,” he explained. “I have a awful boss who say: ‘If you really do not do the job more challenging, do not trouble coming in tomorrow.’ It was seasonal operate and following two months, I was left without having function, devoid of any money.”
Krajevskij acquired a task at a common discount retail store and rediscovered boxing.
“I did a small little bit in my nation,” he explained. “I experienced a good friend who lived on my street who received the Lithuanian title twice. He reported: ‘Come to the health club with me.’ It was nothing at all serious. I was youthful. There ended up functions. There had been girls…”
Wayne Smith was a neighbour immediately after Krajevskij moved to Liverpool and he planted the seed about a return to boxing.
Krajevskij went on the white-collar circuit and explained: “I was earning £100-£150 and I won a title.
“It was Mickey Mouse, but I was a winner. I received 27 of 28 fights and somebody advised me I should consider novice boxing.”
He received 4 of 6 and then bumped into ex-pro Shea Neary.
He informed Krajevskij: “You’re a challenging guy, beginner boxing doesn’t pay out your bills. You need to be a journeyman.”
Krajevskij answered: “What’s a journeyman?”
He located out the difficult way.
“I was thinking: ‘What’s mistaken?’” he mentioned. “I earn unlicensed fights and novice fights and now I’m shedding.
“I recognized they ended up a distinct level. They experienced been boxing because they have been six or 7 several years aged. They have improved expertise. If you’re not healthy adequate, you can go to the gym and get the job done on your physical fitness, but they were just superior than me.”
Krajevskij has stuck at it – and received his benefits when he beat Broten.
“It’s been a extensive journey and people say I should really be happy of myself,” stated Krajevksij, who functions for a security firm run by ex-professional Stephen Harkin.
“I will be happy when I have a dwelling and a property finance loan. Which is my concentrate on.”
Krajevskij in motion
