Hi I’m Cornelius, welcome to Sneak Punch – the home of learning boxing online. I am a former professional boxer – turned coach and personal trainer – Wikipedia.
My Story so far…
I started my boxing training at the early age of 11 and haven’t looked back since. I enjoyed a great amateur career, including making the ABA finals and winning a Gold Medal for my country (for the England Junior Squad under 19’s in Sardinia, 1987).
Soon after my win in Sardinia, I realised that boxing was what I wanted to do as my profession. So I joined up with Frank Warren and began my professional career at the ripe old age of 18. This marked the end of my Amateur career – with my fight record comprising of 43 fights (40 wins)!
Over the next 13 years I had 38 professional fights (34 wins) and I finally hung up my gloves at the age of 31. At this point I wanted to concentrate on training other people to box.
Boxing has given me some amazing experiences and opportunities, during my amateur days, professional career and in the years since then. Here are some of my favourites –
1999 – Winning and defending the WBF World Super Middleweight Title.
What a great night that was, a 12 round hard fought fight with the very capable Steve Forster. And then defending the belt later on in the year against the South African boxing legend Dingaan Thobela.
1995 – Fighting “The Celtic Warrior” Steve Collins for the WBO World Middleweight Title.
Although on the night the decision was Steve’s (it was a close fight) it was an honour to share the ring with such a great fighter.
1994 – Fighting James Cook for the British Middleweight Title.
Winning the British title from the talented James Cook was one of my proudest moments.
My Time in America.
My trips to America where I had 2 weeks sparring with the amazing Roy Jones Jr and also got to fight with some of the in-mates in Angola Prison. This boxing event I think they now hold annually!
Winning a Gold Medal
Going to Sardinia and fighting for the Junior England Squad (under 19’s). To top it off I won the gold medal for England in my weight category.
Making the ABA Finals.
Making the ABA finals and very nearly beating 4 times winner Rod Douglas when I had only just turned 18.
Other Highlights
Appearing on the front cover of The Smiths “Sweet And Tender Hooligan” album
Appearing on the front cover of the amazing Morrissey’s “WORLD OF MORRISSEY” album
Starring in Morrissey’s video of “The Boxer”
Meeting and training with excellent Daniel Day Lewis in the film “The Boxer” and my
cameo role in this film. When Daniel takes a role on, it is fantastic to see how he
immerses himself in the character and if he wasn’t a Hollywood superstar he had the
natural talent to of become a really good boxer.
Why Sneak Punch?
Boxing has given me so much over the years and I feel that everyone can benefit from boxing training, no matter what their the skills or fitness levels.
So, I have made it my mission to promote boxing training to as many people as possible, including YOU! You too can reap the rewards of boxing training. Whether you want to learn specific techniques, get fitter, lose weight, tone up or increase your confidence. Boxing training can give you all of this and more.
Sneak Punch is THE place to go for FREE online boxing training. Over the next few months I will be posting articles and videos, with the sole aim of trying to explain as many aspects of boxing training as possible.
Different boxers have different ideas on training, but I believe in building a solid foundation with the basic, but crucial skills like the stance, guard, good footwork, solid defence and punching techniques….. building great boxers from the ground up.
Once you have the basics, it’s time to add speed, power, varied combinations and style.
Why not sign-up now for a regular updates and download our free e-Book “10 Mistakes in Boxing” to help get you started out on the right track.
I’m here to help you get the most out of your boxing training as I have and I look forward to hearing from you – Leave comments, post videos, ask technical questions and I will endeavour to get back to you as soon as I can!
Related posts …
You Can Learn Boxing Online – Start Here!
Need Boxing Advice? – Ask The Coach
Sneak Punch Blog – Learn Boxing Online