Jimmy Bamborough enters Rise and Conquer 11 bout with full faith in the power his hands possess.
October 1st, Rainton Arena, Jimmy Bamborough will sqaure off with Jackson Clarke in an amateur welterweight contest. The TFT fighter aims to keep his clean (2-0) record intact and record his second victory by stoppage.
We had a pre-fight chat with Jimmy Bamborough on the lead up to fight night. Read the full interview below.
Interview With Jimmy Bamborough
Two weeks out from fight night, Jimmy, talk me through your preparation, has everything been smooth as can be? Any adjustments you’ve made in your training as opposed to last time?
Yes, two weeks out now in what’s been a brilliant fight camp. I’ve made quite a few adjustments to this camp, as mistakes were made last time.
I dropped down a weight division from middleweight to welterweight, and I’ve never been 77kg before in my adult life. I was worried I wouldn’t make the weight so focused solely on cardio and not eating enough calories, and I did make weight fine but felt very weak in there, so this time round, I’ve kept my calories higher and continued with my strength training. The weight came down more gradually, and I feel much better about it.
We saw you in action towards the end of 2021 and haven’t seen you since. Is there any reason for the long-ish lay-off, or did you want to get matched before now?
I would have liked to have been back in there before now, but quite a bit of life got in the way. I broke my foot in the second round last fight, which needed time to heal properly.
My fiance had lots of college work to get herself into uni. It would have been quite selfish of me to spend all my time back in the gym when she’s got so much work on, on top of looking after our two boys while I’m training non-stop. I also have my own business to run, which is quite time-consuming. Everything settled down now, though, so looking to keep my weight down and providing I get through the next one injury free, I will be keen to get straight back in there before the end of the year.
Jimmy Bamborough Talks Amateur Career
You currently stand at (2-0) in your amateur career thus far? Your debut in 2017 and your most recent outing in 2021. Have you been satisfied with your amateur career thus far? Is there anything you’d have done differently?
I am happy with my amateur career, given that I’ve won all of my fights. However, I’m a better fighter than my lack of fights record suggests. Having trained in the sport for a good number of years, I do wish I had started fighting earlier, but it is what it is, and it’s pointless dwelling over it.
What would you have to say to the Jackson Clarke, who expects the same Jimmy Bamborough from 2021 to show up on Oct 1st? How far have you come since the last fight with Lewis Howe?
I think as a fighter. I’m improving every single day. Physically and mentally, I’ve never felt better. All the lads down at TFT are beasts. You can’t hide in there. From amateur to the pro guys, they’re top quality and are in the thick of that day in and day out. It’s impossible not to develop.
Training
What’s your favourite aspect of training MMA? Getting up every day and putting your body through its paces?
I don’t think I’ve got a specific favourite part about training MMA. I just love it all from being in the gym with all the lads, as the cracks great in there. To just have a productive routine to stick to and look after yourself, learn new things daily and feel yourself getting better all the time.
Jackson Clarke is the man that stands across from you on the night. What do you know about your opponent, and how do you feel you match up against one another?
I couldn’t tell you too much about him, to be honest. He seems quite explosive and comes to fight. I’m certainly not underestimating the lad, but I don’t think there’s anything he’s got to offer that I won’t have seen before. I’m looking forward to meeting him in the middle, and may the best man win.
Inspiriation
You’ve been surrounded by some frightening talent as of late, like UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall and KSW heavyweight champion Phil De Fries. How much have they helped you and motivated you ahead of this fight?
The best of the best train down at TFT on the regular now. UFC fighters like Tom Aspinal, Davey Grant and Paul Craig are all there quite regularly. Mick Parkin has just been signed by the UFC. As you mentioned, big Phil trains out of there. It’s only a matter of time before Justin Burlinson & James Hendin are on the UFC roster too. For an amateur fighter to be in that environment, it’s quality. But make no mistake, it hasn’t just happened by chance. Head coach Andrew Fisher has spent so much time building TFT to where it is now. These fighters aren’t here just as a meeting point for somewhere to train. They train here because of the product Fisher provides.
Jackson Clarke isn’t someone who needs the judge’s scorecards. Dare I ask if this fight will be left in the hands of the judges?
He won his last fight in the first, but before that, he got stopped in the first. That’s not necessarily a stat to be ranting and raving about. The longer the fight goes on, the more in my favour the fight becomes. I have fought three rounds before, and I think Jackson’s fitness will be off par to mine. Despite this, I think I’m going to put him away early.
Expectations
For those attending Rise and Conquer, what can they expect from you?
Those attending Rise and Conquer can expect my support to be the loudest in the room. I always sell a good amount of tickets, and there’s always a good atmosphere which really does spur you on. So thanks to everyone who has bought a ticket. The crowd can also expect a knockout. I think I will be far too powerful for him, and he’s going to learn this after the first exchange.
Featured image credits to Rise and Conquer
