Columnist Chris Billam-Smith returned to full training this week, which included a gruelling circuit in Barry McGuigan’s basement...

I am glad that’s over and done with!

First week back in camp is always the worst, especially after the long break we’ve just had.

However, I didn’t feel too bad, all the training in lockdown proved to be enough as I feel like I have a good base level of fitness.

We started camp with a pad session on Monday afternoon which helped dust off the cobwebs as it’s been a while since I’ve hit pads with Shane (McGuigan, coach).

Tuesday started with a pad session followed by an afternoon strength conditioning session, which was okay at the time but the next day we were extremely sore.

This wasn’t ideal as we then had the dreaded Wednesday circuits in Barry McGuigan’s basement gym (more on these later).

Bournemouth Echo:

Then in a very tired and fatigued state, Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning we did pads again before coming home.

I do have one session left to do at home tomorrow before the football is back tomorrow night.

I’m so excited for the football to return. I’ll be sat at home watching it ready for the boys to do us proud.

They’ve got a tough task on their hands but I’ve heard Eddie is a big fan of the Rocky movies, so I’m expecting them to fight until the very end and get the job done by the end of the season. UP THE CHERRIES!

Bournemouth Echo:

Thank you once again for this week’s questions.

You keep mentioning the “dreaded weekly circuits” as part of your training routine. What does this entail exactly? Are they done indoors or in the gym? How long do they last and what is the programme? We need more detail! From Clive Young.

Big secret Clive! (I’m only joking).

They consist of five to six loops, consisting of five to six stations.

They change throughout camp but we use curved treadmill, burpees, squat jumps, versaclimber, medicine ball slams, barbell rows and many more exercises.

You have Shane, Barry and Josh Pritchard watching you, making sure you’re pushing it in every station. The boys in the gym know I’m the circuit king though!

As your moniker suggests ‘The Gentleman’. You are very calm and reserved. What advice or tips would you give young amateur fighters who are not necessarily naturally aggressive inside the ring? From Richard Puncheon.

Thanks for the kind words Richard.

I’ve learned to be aggressive in the ring a lot more as a professional.

I had one stoppage in 43 amateur fights and now nine out of my 10 professional wins have been stoppages.

I’ve been given belief in my power by Shane as the way he teaches is about delivering shots perfectly. Whereas in the amateurs, stoppages and knockouts are a lot less common due to bigger gloves and only three rounds.

My advice would be to learn to be aggressive in the ring, find a switch for when you step inside those ropes.

You almost have to have two personalities for inside and outside the ring.

That doesn’t mean being gung-ho and winging in the punches but training yourself to use your style in the most effective way.

I think Tyson Fury’s last fight is the perfect example of this.

Bournemouth Echo:

He was an out and out boxer but against Deontay Wilder first time – they drew. The second time he changed, adapted and bullied Wilder.

Thanks for the questions and also reading my articles. Hopefully, next week, I’ll have some fight news!

If anyone would like to ask any questions for next week, please contact below.

Email: sport@bournemouthecho.co.uk

Instagram/Twitter: @ChrisBillam

Until then, stay safe and enjoy the football.

Peace out,

CBS