Darren Sutherland fighting on 29th May, stoke-on-trent

[Darren Sutherland]

Just quick update: My next fight is the 29th May, on the undercard to Chris Edwards defending his british and commonwealth titles against Ahmed Usman at the fenton manor, sport complex, Stoke on trent, Uk..

My opponent has yet to be announced. I can only fight who they put in front of me. But training has been going very well. Have been getting good sparring in with Darren Barker ahead of his commonwealth defence and also with Matthew Thirlwell..
Brian my trainer has said that the training and sparring for the first year will be tougher than the actual fights. So that when they step me up in level, I'll be ready.

Its true that I have been at my promoter for sterner tests but thats just due to my competitive nature as I've been used to fighting at the elite level as an amateur. But as i'm learning all the time, the pro's and amateurs are like two different sports. I may be an Olympian but as a pro, i have to start again. I also want to have longevity in my pro career, and to do this, I need to hone my skills in the gym and listen to my team around me. Patience is something I have to learn both in the ring and out of it. I may have just turned 27 (april 18th) but I live a clean life and look after myself. I didnt start boxing til i was nearly 16 and am still improving all the time.

I read a post suggesting that a few people would like a Q&A post?? If you leave your questions or comments, I'll try to respond to as many as I can..

Thanks for all the support and comments

Daz

[teddy007]

Just quick update: My next fight is the 29th May, on the undercard to Chris Edwards defending his british and commonwealth titles against Ahmed Usman at the fenton manor, sport complex, Stoke on trent, Uk..

My opponent has yet to be announced. I can only fight who they put in front of me. But training has been going very well. Have been getting good sparring in with Darren Barker ahead of his commonwealth defence and also with Matthew Thirlwell..
Brian my trainer has said that the training and sparring for the first year will be tougher than the actual fights. So that when they step me up in level, I'll be ready.

Its true that I have been at my promoter for sterner tests but thats just due to my competitive nature as I've been used to fighting at the elite level as an amateur. But as i'm learning all the time, the pro's and amateurs are like two different sports. I may be an Olympian but as a pro, i have to start again. I also want to have longevity in my pro career, and to do this, I need to hone my skills in the gym and listen to my team around me. Patience is something I have to learn both in the ring and out of it. I may have just turned 27 (april 18th) but I live a clean life and look after myself. I didnt start boxing til i was nearly 16 and am still improving all the time.

I read a post suggesting that a few people would like a Q&A post?? If you leave your questions or comments, I'll try to respond to as many as I can..

Thanks for all the support and comments

Daz

Topman, what do you make of that fighter that beat you in the amateur's I think his name is Shumanov, also what do you make of Groves and Degale? I can guarantee that you are way more popular than Degale, for the way you conduct yourself and the way fight. Keep it up.

[m1kee50]

Q for you Darren: Who are your favourite fighters of previous era's, and do you find yourself picking up ideas from watching them, or do you leave that to your trainer(s).

All the best mate.

[Tommy Gunn13]

Hi Darren,how highly do u rate Luis Garcia???
Iread some where ud sparred togeather..

[metropol]

Good luck in your next fight , You have answered one of my questions in how you felt about the speed you were being moved along, but it is still frustrating for the fans
Q: How do you feel at this weight ? Do you feel as you progress lhw may be an option?

Btw its great that you take the time out to listen to the fans and not just tell people what you are going to do in the future like certain other recent crossovers

[moorser]

Darren how are you ? best of luck in stoke , just have 3 quick queations

1. I know korobov was in your weight class did you ever face him and if so how did the fight go ?

2. I heard somewere you would like to challenge for the irish title by the end of the year if so against who ? Brian Magee a possibility

3. Do you know when you will be fighting in Dublin again ?

[The Law]

Thanks for the update Darren. I'll see you there

The middle/super middleweight scene in the UK and Ireland is getting better and better. Onwards and upwards me thinks!

[Darren Sutherland]

cheers Darren i was going to wait until after your fight to do the Q & A but not better time than the present, good luck with the fight .


Q. You had a great olympics but lost to Degale in the semi finals who was a fighter you had beaten on many occassions before. due you think that loss was more you not performing or Degale getting better?

The previous fight in the quarters was against Alfonso Blanco who was ranked no.2 at the time and had a win over both myself and James in the worlds in 2007.. I was so up for the fight, that when i beat him, it was like an anti climax fighting degale nex.. I think that as a result, I under performed, even though on the day, i tried my best..

But I think I underperformed and was too eager to attack.. In hindsight, I should of been more patient...

[Darren Sutherland]

Just quick update: My next fight is the 29th May, on the undercard to Chris Edwards defending his british and commonwealth titles against Ahmed Usman at the fenton manor, sport complex, Stoke on trent, Uk..

My opponent has yet to be announced. I can only fight who they put in front of me. But training has been going very well. Have been getting good sparring in with Darren Barker ahead of his commonwealth defence and also with Matthew Thirlwell..
Brian my trainer has said that the training and sparring for the first year will be tougher than the actual fights. So that when they step me up in level, I'll be ready.

Its true that I have been at my promoter for sterner tests but thats just due to my competitive nature as I've been used to fighting at the elite level as an amateur. But as i'm learning all the time, the pro's and amateurs are like two different sports. I may be an Olympian but as a pro, i have to start again. I also want to have longevity in my pro career, and to do this, I need to hone my skills in the gym and listen to my team around me. Patience is something I have to learn both in the ring and out of it. I may have just turned 27 (april 18th) but I live a clean life and look after myself. I didnt start boxing til i was nearly 16 and am still improving all the time.

I read a post suggesting that a few people would like a Q&A post?? If you leave your questions or comments, I'll try to respond to as many as I can..

Thanks for all the support and comments

Daz

Topman, what do you make of that fighter that beat you in the amateur's I think his name is Shumanov, also what do you make of Groves and Degale? I can guarantee that you are way more popular than Degale, for the way you conduct yourself and the way fight. Keep it up.

Matt Korobov is a quality fighter and can see him being a future rival on the world scene.. Southpaw with quick hands, good footwork and a decent punch. the guy was a world class amateur and won everything bar the olympics...
In 2008, the irish pre olympics training camp was with the russians.. There i got to spar him for first time without worryin bout the computer scoring system. In those circumstances I was all over him as he cant fight as well on the inside. Gotta pressure him.

I dont know enough about George to comment.. But he is doin well so far.. Degale?? I think he has to make alot of changes to his style to be a successful pro.. Time will tell if he can do that... Early days yet but pros and amateurs differrent ball game as were all finding out...

[Darren Sutherland]

Q for you Darren: Who are your favourite fighters of previous era's, and do you find yourself picking up ideas from watching them, or do you leave that to your trainer(s).

All the best mate.

Fighters that I like to watch:
Roy Jones Jnr in his prime and Floyd Mayweather. Loved the Hype and excitement that they brought the ring as well as speed and skill..

Fights that I have been studyin and picking things up from so far include: Bernard Hopkins, Mike Mc Callum and James Toney... Think you need to develop good defensive skills aswell as an offence.. Brian is trying to get me to be more patient in breaking fighters down and working on my head movement etc..

[metropol]

If you have time answer this. Out of the rest of the olympians do you know have any of them intentions to crossover and which do you think woud do well?
Did you see what sutcliffe did to jjj in the national championships? Those hands belong in the pro ring

[Darren Sutherland]

Hi Darren,how highly do u rate Luis Garcia???
Iread some where ud sparred togeather..

Another talented amateur turned pro... I think he has quick hands and good footwork and movement.. Also pretty strong guy.. But he does jump in with his shots and a patient fighter may be able to time his attacks.. I found him awkward for first 3 rds but then i came on strong from 4th onwards as he tired and I put pressure on him..

i think there are some great prospects out there at middleweight to light heavy... In the next few years there will be some great fights and rivalries amongst the current crop of talent.. In my opinion anyways

[chrisfinch]

Just a quick couple Darren...

Where do you see yourself in a years time, and in five years time?
And also, what do you hope to have achieved by the end of your career?

Thanks a lot

[metropol]

cheers Darren i was going to wait until after your fight to do the Q & A but not better time than the present, good luck with the fight .


Q. You had a great olympics but lost to Degale in the semi finals who was a fighter you had beaten on many occassions before. due you think that loss was more you not performing or Degale getting better?

Thanks a lot for coming on the forum and answering some questions. I like to think we can try and organize another Q & A in the future with a bit more notice as i know a lot fans would love to ask you questions as it appears you are a popular fella. Cheers agin and good luck at the end of the month.

Can you think of any other fighters that post here that would do this? Also buncey im sure he would do it

[Darren Sutherland]

Good luck in your next fight , You have answered one of my questions in how you felt about the speed you were being moved along, but it is still frustrating for the fans
Q: How do you feel at this weight ? Do you feel as you progress lhw may be an option?

Btw its great that you take the time out to listen to the fans and not just tell people what you are going to do in the future like certain other recent crossovers

Im contracted to have at least 6 fights a year so will have to get in 3 more fights after the May 29th show.. I've only had 2 pro fights so far.. Be patient mate as I am learnin to be.. As i've said, I hope to be around for a good while :)
In relation to the weight??
I feel good at the Supermiddleweight.. I do have to watch what i eat as im naturally very muscular and put weight on easy enough.. But dont really do any weights etc.. Im fully grown so as long as im deciplined in build up to fights, I'll remain at super.. Light heavy could be an option but not anytime soon..

[Darren Sutherland]

If you have time answer this. Out of the rest of the olympians do you know have any of them intentions to crossover and which do you think woud do well?
Did you see what sutcliffe did to jjj in the national championships? Those hands belong in the pro ring

I've just been keeping my head down and concentrating on my own career.. Since moving to the uk, I have not had much contact with the national team so cant comment on the others intentions..
Maybe if I can make an impact in the pros like Dunne, then more young irish amateurs may follow me into the pros in time..

[m1kee50]

Q for you Darren: Who are your favourite fighters of previous era's, and do you find yourself picking up ideas from watching them, or do you leave that to your trainer(s).

All the best mate.

Fighters that I like to watch:
Roy Jones Jnr in his prime and Floyd Mayweather. Loved the Hype and excitement that they brought the ring as well as speed and skill..

Fights that I have been studyin and picking things up from so far include: Bernard Hopkins, Mike Mc Callum and James Toney... Think you need to develop good defensive skills aswell as an offence.. Brian is trying to get me to be more patient in breaking fighters down and working on my head movement etc..

Cheers mate... I think most fight fans enjoy watching classic Roy, and grudgingly admit to respecting the Hopkins and Mayweathers of the world, the wins the thing, isnt it. Fair play to you for looking at Toney, one of my favourite fighters. I hope you go on to have the sucess he has had if not more.

[Darren Sutherland]

Darren how are you ? best of luck in stoke , just have 3 quick queations

1. I know korobov was in your weight class did you ever face him and if so how did the fight go ?

2. I heard somewere you would like to challenge for the irish title by the end of the year if so against who ? Brian Magee a possibility

3. Do you know when you will be fighting in Dublin again ?

I boxed Korobov on 2 occasions.. In the 2005 worlds, I lost by 20pt rule.. I was very inexperienced and he got easy scores for shots blocked.. But he is a quality fighter as i mentioned earlier..
In 2006, I boxed him again in a multi nation in germany.. I had been really struggling with the weight as the coaches had me doin weights like rest of national team and I put on muscle easy.. As result i felt very weight drained goin into that fight and my punch resistance was terrible. Legs felt like jelly before i got in the ring. I Walked onto a right hook in rd 2 and took a count.. I got up and shook it off.. But in the third, it was clear i was weak and was covering up when ref stopped it.. In hide sight i shouldnt have even boxed but I learned from my experience..
In 2008 in the Irish/russian pre Olympic training camp, I got my own back on him in sparring.. One of the russian coaches said afterwards, that our spar affected his confidence goin into the games??

irish title:
I think I need a few more fights under my belt so it may well be early next year before i challenge for my first regional titles.. But I will fight who ever they put in front of me... Brian Magee for the irish title next year?? That would be a great fight and think there would be a lot of irish interest in that one.. Lets See what Maloney has planned for me.. exciting times ahead:)

Fights in Dublin:
You have to ask maloney that one.. Its in the contract to have at least 1 fight in Dublin in year one which happened in my debut.. Year 2, I asked for at least 2 fights in dublin.. So we may have to weight til then?? But I'd love to box there again this year if possible.. Again its down to the promoter...

[mossy141]

after this fight when do yo hope to fight again(month)??

[Darren Sutherland]

Just a quick couple Darren...

Where do you see yourself in a years time, and in five years time?
And also, what do you hope to have achieved by the end of your career?

Thanks a lot

last one mate as i my eyes killin me lookin at the computer screen lol!!

In a years time i'd like to think i've had at least 6 fights and still undefeated. In year 2 i'd like to start boxing ranked fighters so that i can work my way up the domestic table.. Looking at challenging for the irish title and area title..

In five years, I would like to think that im in the top 10 world rankings and hold a version of the world super middleweight title.. along the way picking up the commonwealth and european titles and beating my domestic rivals whoever they might be at the time. (big ambitions i know, but you have to have a dream and self belief or you've no chance)

What ever happens, as long as i know i've given it my best possible and am still in good health, i'll be happy..

thanks again for the support, comments and questions..

daz

[chrisfinch]

Just a quick couple Darren...

Where do you see yourself in a years time, and in five years time?
And also, what do you hope to have achieved by the end of your career?

Thanks a lot

last one mate as i my eyes killin me lookin at the computer screen lol!!

In a years time i'd like to think i've had at least 6 fights and still undefeated. In year 2 i'd like to start boxing ranked fighters so that i can work my way up the domestic table.. Looking at challenging for the irish title and area title..

In five years, I would like to think that im in the top 10 world rankings and hold a version of the world super middleweight title.. along the way picking up the commonwealth and european titles and beating my domestic rivals whoever they might be at the time. (big ambitions i know, but you have to have a dream and self belief or you've no chance)

What ever happens, as long as i know i've given it my best possible and am still in good health, i'll be happy..

thanks again for the support, comments and questions..

daz

Thanks a lot for answering. Best of luck on the 29th, and I'll be there to cheer you on.

[Asterix]

Great stuff. Thanks for answering all of the questions, Darren. Good luck for your next fight and onwards.

[whiskey]

How did you find sparring Carl Froch recently Darren ?

[Tommy Gunn13]

Hi Darren,how highly do u rate Luis Garcia???
Iread some where ud sparred togeather..

Another talented amateur turned pro... I think he has quick hands and good footwork and movement.. Also pretty strong guy.. But he does jump in with his shots and a patient fighter may be able to time his attacks.. I found him awkward for first 3 rds but then i came on strong from 4th onwards as he tired and I put pressure on him..

i think there are some great prospects out there at middleweight to light heavy... In the next few years there will be some great fights and rivalries amongst the current crop of talent.. In my opinion anyways

Cheers for answering the question Darren,like u say alot of good prospects at your weight..
i look forward to seeing some exciting fights involved with you&your compititers overs the next few years
all the best..

[moorser]

Darren how are you ? best of luck in stoke , just have 3 quick queations

1. I know korobov was in your weight class did you ever face him and if so how did the fight go ?

2. I heard somewere you would like to challenge for the irish title by the end of the year if so against who ? Brian Magee a possibility

3. Do you know when you will be fighting in Dublin again ?

I boxed Korobov on 2 occasions.. In the 2005 worlds, I lost by 20pt rule.. I was very inexperienced and he got easy scores for shots blocked.. But he is a quality fighter as i mentioned earlier..
In 2006, I boxed him again in a multi nation in germany.. I had been really struggling with the weight as the coaches had me doin weights like rest of national team and I put on muscle easy.. As result i felt very weight drained goin into that fight and my punch resistance was terrible. Legs felt like jelly before i got in the ring. I Walked onto a right hook in rd 2 and took a count.. I got up and shook it off.. But in the third, it was clear i was weak and was covering up when ref stopped it.. In hide sight i shouldnt have even boxed but I learned from my experience..
In 2008 in the Irish/russian pre Olympic training camp, I got my own back on him in sparring.. One of the russian coaches said afterwards, that our spar affected his confidence goin into the games??

irish title:
I think I need a few more fights under my belt so it may well be early next year before i challenge for my first regional titles.. But I will fight who ever they put in front of me... Brian Magee for the irish title next year?? That would be a great fight and think there would be a lot of irish interest in that one.. Lets See what Maloney has planned for me.. exciting times ahead:)

Fights in Dublin:
You have to ask maloney that one.. Its in the contract to have at least 1 fight in Dublin in year one which happened in my debut.. Year 2, I asked for at least 2 fights in dublin.. So we may have to weight til then?? But I'd love to box there again this year if possible.. Again its down to the promoter...

Nice one Darren for taking the time to answer the questions , hopefully you have another fight in Dublin , was at your first one in d.c.u , great atmosphere , exciting times ahead indeed !