Garry Sudron is driven to make up for lost time after defying all odds as he prepares to return to the octagon at Rise and Conquer 12.
Sudron suffered a serious injury and was told he may never be able to walk again, never mind fight! He returned to the cage in 2021 and believed his emotions got the better of him, and he was caught in the first-round.
Sunday evening in the Rainton Arena, Sudron has the opportunity to get back to winning ways with a victory over Liam Milliard. Ahead of fight day, we had the chance to catch up with the motivation and inspiring Garry Sudron.
Interview With Garry Sudron
Sunday, you return to the cage to meet Liam Millard. Firstly, how’s your physical and mental state ahead of this bout, and how much are you looking forward to trying to return to the win column at Rise and Conquer 12?
I honestly feel the best I have done in a long time. Mentally I’m strong as ever, and physically, I’ve had abbs for three weeks now that never happened. I’m so excited to get in the cage; the atmosphere in the gym has been amazing for months leading up to this show, so I can feel it’s going to be a great night.
Unfortunately, your last three bouts haven’t gone in your favour. Have you managed to pinpoint what’s been going on or what’s gone wrong in the cage despite them being years apart?
My last fight was after a long layoff with a serious injury, and I think that my emotions got the better of me. That’s not to make excuses; I lost. The other 2, both lads, turned pro not long after, so I wasn’t fighting any mugs. I recently changed gyms, and fighting out of TFT is a better fit for me for how I like to fight.
Your last bout occurred in 2021. Previous to that, we hadn’t seen you in years. That said, your bout in 2021, did you feel the effects of the long-lay off, and does that concern you as we lead into Sunday once again?
It doesn’t concern me. I’m a lot older now, and as I said, I moved full training to TFT, so getting a year in to just work and learn without having to worry about fighting I feel is going to benefit me. Plus, I’m a lot older, so I need longer to recover. This camp, I added boxing at Lions Den in Middlesbrough, and that has helped me so much. I have a lot more confidence in my hands.
Garry Surdon on Bouncing Back From Serious Injury
Has there been any reason for such long periods of inactivity in-between fights, and has that frustrated you?
I had a serious injury. I ended up paralysed. There was a good chance that I wouldn’t have walked again, never mind fight. I spent six months in the hospital and a year in a wheelchair before learning to walk again on crutches and then walking unaided. It’s frustrating to lose that much time, but I feel I can make up for it.
As mentioned, you’ll face Liam Millard on fight night. How do you assess this matchup for you to return to?
I don’t really know much about him, but the way this camp has gone and the improvements I’ve made, I feel I’ll put on a good show.
Liam fought on the last Rise and Conquer show. Have you had the chance to watch his fight back? If so, what do you see in his game in terms of strengths and perhaps weaknesses?
I haven’t watched him. I’ve seen Tom KO him on Rise and Conquer highlight reel, but that’s it. I’ve focused all on myself and getting better in every area. I’m confident I’m better than him, no matter where it goes.
Breaking The Skid
What would it mean to you to return to the win column on Saturday night and end the skid you find yourself on?
It would mean the world to me and mean I was right to do this again after my injury. I had a lot of doubters, and to prove them wrong is an added incentive.
Lastly, I’ll leave you with the final word. Is there anyone you’d like to thank or any last words for your opponent before you both step in there?
I want to thank Andrew Fisher and all teammates at TFT for all the help leading up to this fight. It really has been the best camp. Mark Downing and Richie William and The Lions Den Middlesbrough.
Featured image credits to Garry Sudron
