Training: WEEK TEN

As the big day looms ever closer, here's another peak at Andy's training diary:

"What a week! As I write this I am very sore from training and I’ve still got my run to do this evening. With my overall fitness much improved the main focus has been on sparring against opponents of various sizes, styles and abilities.

Most of my sparring partners have turned out to be more experienced boxers than me, so it’s been tough and I have to confess to feeling a little battered and bruised. Overall I think I acquitted myself quite well.

The combinations are starting to work and speed, timing and power have definitely improved. Still plenty to work on but with 4 weeks to go it’s coming together.

My trainer, Ben Doughty, is happy with where we are and that’s encouraging too.

Some people have even started asking me what I'll do when the big fight is over, will I keep boxing? All I can think about is May 29th at the moment but I think I'm going to miss this level of competitive sport."

If you've got a suggestion about what 'The Saint' should do after May 29th, have your say and leave a comment after this post...all publishable comments will appear on the blog! Should he hang up his gloves or is there something else he should turn his talents too?

Training: WEEKS FIVE & SIX

Whilst Andy's work commitments have kept him on the road, opportunities to fill in his training diary have been limited. Here's a combination of entries for weeks 5 &6.

"Training sessions are now beginning to take a familiar pattern.

I’m pleased to say that having been frustrated at not being too quick on the uptake (don't all rush to agree!) with some of the movement and combinations that the last few sessions have seen something click. This is good news! I’m not having to think about everything and it’s all starting to feel a lot more natural.

I’m also pleased to report that my level of fitness has turned a corner and I’m getting into the shape required to do 3 hard rounds.

Sparring has moved up a few gears and the first thing Ben does now is to check who else is available in the gym to spar with for a few rounds. Worryingly, though, he doesn’t seem to care whether they’re large or small - apparantly his thought is that it’s about variety and having to deal with whatever’s put in front of me.

All good practice for fight night! "