Jack Bellingham [1-0-0]

As a former British Under-20 champion, three times Southern Area champion and three times Western Counties champion, Jack "The Ripper" Bellingham will be looking to continue his momentum from the amateurs into the pro ranks.

Jack recently took the time to discuss with BoxingQnA his background, goals and aspirations.

How did you get into boxing?

I first went boxing with my grandad as a kid in Birmingham, but when me and my mates were boxing in the streets and enjoyed it, we all went and joined but actually joined Devonport ABC. My friends all quit, but the coaches took a shine to me and got me carded after two weeks of stepping in the gym. I never really took boxing serious as a kid. I was in and out of the gym, then kicked out of school and put on a tag so that I couldn't go to the gym at all. I couldn't really do anything, so I had a lot of time to think about my life. That and then a few years later it was finding out that me and my now wife had a baby on its way which made me realise how much I needed to stay focused on my boxing.

What is your amateur background like?

As an amateur, I was a three times Southern Area champion, a three times Western Counties champion and a National champion, which is more than anyone from Plymouth since Scott Dann. I box out of the Doghouse Gym, as they let me and my team use their facilities.

Were there any occasions during your time in the amateurs that made a significant impact on you?

I'd say me wining a national title in 2013, then suffering a injury just after which led me not boxing in 2014. I had both the confidence and drive to want to get back to boxing as soon as possible and do what's best for me, my family and now my new city, Plymouth.

You've just had your pro debut. How would you assess your performance and did the occasion live up to your expectations?

My pro debut was perfect. I had such a horrible, experienced opponent who came in heavy but I didn't let that have a bearing on my performance. I wanted to go for the stoppage but he knew all the tricks to avoid it like grabbing and tangling me up.

What made you decide that now was the right time to turn professional?

I wanted to wait and box for England at least once before turning over, but it is almost impossible to do so when you live down here as they don't really look further than Bristol. Also, the amount of boxers that pull out as a senior is terrible. I would have had to wait another year for the ABAs until another fight, so I spoke to my coaches and we all agree that now is the perfect time to be turning pro.

Have there been many adjustments made to your training compared with when you were an amateur?

The training is a lot better as you normally have 8 weeks for a training camp whereas in the amateurs you often have a few days notice at times for a fight, so I definitely prefer the long training camps as it's impossible not to be in the best shape physically and mentally come fight night.

Any short term and long term goals at this juncture, or anything that you would like to achieve within x amount of time?

I would like to bring a title to Plymouth within 3 years. That's my goal and I know it's possible.

Who are some of the best you've sparred with to date and how beneficial was it for you?

I've sparred Scott Dann, a former British, Commonwealth and European champion, so I have learned a lot from him. Even to be in the same ring as him is a blessing since as a kid I watched him in Pavilions. That night there he became my idol and I wanted to follow in his footsteps as a young boxer. He has taught me so much about boxing.

Word is that you'll be fighting again soon. Is there any news on that yet?

I will be fighting again on January 30th at the Guildhall, which is my favourite venue in England. I have boxed twice there as an amateur and I will show Plymouth why the pro game is so much more exciting.

Also, is this an indication of you looking to get out there as often as possible?

Yes, I want to box as often as possible, start as I mean to go on and and work towards getting my first title shot.

Any fighters from past or present that inspire you, if so who and why?

Ali is my idol in boxing. I look up to him as he has done so much for boxing in and outside of the ring. I even have a tattoo of the great Ali.

Who is Jack Bellingham outside of boxing?

Jack Bellingham outside of boxing is a hardworking family man and is making good with what God has gave him.

Final words or closing statements?

I'd like to thank everyone that came to support me at the O₂ Arena on my debut. I was overwhelmed with the support. I know in my hometown that there will be 100s of people there to support me, so I would also like to say that those people don't realise how much I appreciate their support. It makes the camps so much better because as well as training like a mad man for my family, I'm also doing it for the supporters. Thank you so much to my sponsor, Interseal South West Ltd. Also, thanks to Troopa, Glynn and Adam for pushing me and training me. They put so much work into me and I know they all want me to be the best that I can be. For that, I will be bringing back titles to all of my coaches and for all the people in Plymouth that support me. Roll on January 30th where I will show everyone what I'm about.