Richie Bonallie (1-2) is all set to make his return to the octagon this Saturday at Rise and Conquer 12 in Houghton le Spring.
Bonallie kickstarted his professional career in 2019 with a debut win over Jack Parker but dropped his last two afterwards after suffering from some factors out of his control. That said, Bonallie is ready to get back to the win column this Sunday in the Rainton Arena with a statement win over Carl Purvis.
Ahead of the competitive night of fights, we had a minute to catch up with Richie Bonallie to see how he felt as we closed in on fight night.
Interview With Richie Bonallie
Richie, you make the walk again this Sunday after a period of inactivity. Tell us about your break from competition, the whys, and the frustrations.
In 2021, after fighting Oscar Ownsworth, I was meant to fight Nathan Jessimer on Almighty and after a long three-month camp where I felt brilliant, he pulled out with Covid the day before the weigh-in, and that was pretty much the year over.
In 2022, I was meant to fight the unbeaten Dagestani guy, Ibragamovic. But that fell through, so I decided just to grapple for a bit as I was a bit disheartened.
After realising I’m best suited to face punching and being horrible, I rejoined TFT after working with Davey Grant for the past 18 months. I spent the remainder of the year sort of “working my way back into the first team” and just missing out on the previous Rise & Conquer. As the plan is to leave a string of dead bodies on Rise & Conquer, I’ve had to wait for this one to come around.
I say frustrations, but a break can do the body and the mind wonders before making a surge at the pro-ranks. Do you think the break may have done you good?
Aye, the main word is ‘Re-energised’. It can get a bit physically and mentally tiresome training with eyes on a fight rather than for fun.
Richie Bonallie on Pro Career
Your 1-2 thus far in your pro-career. How would you sum up your professional career to this date?
After a good start, it’s been too inconsistent, mainly due to Covid. Beginning of 2019, after going 1-0 and 4 in a row, including amateur, I was meant to fight Jordan Vucenic, and Golden Ticket cancelled show fight week. Then I lost to PK late in the year. 2020 was a right off until I fought a year later in an empty arena with no warm-up, getting hands wrapped in the car and zero momentum.
After winning your debut, you fell short on two occasions to Zadeh and Oscar. Have you managed to identify what went wrong in those bouts to ensure it’s corrected ahead of your return, or are you just putting it down to one of those nights at the office against quality opposition?
In a fight or in the gym, I’m always trying to rectify mistakes. But aye, PK Zadeh is still unbeaten and a great fighter, and Oscar Ownsworth proved his level by beating Lewis Monarch.
You will welcome Carl Purvis to the pro scene. He failed to pick up a victory during his time as an amateur many moons ago. Are you looking at this as an ideal welcome fight back to competition?
You hit the nail on the head.
Talking Carl Purvis
I believe Carl hasn’t fought since 2013. How do you even prepare for someone who’s been out for so long and returns ten years later?
I’ve done some research talking to people who know/trained with him. I found an old fight of his as well. I’ve mainly prepared to make myself a better fighter.
What can those attending and your own supporters expect to see from a well-rested and recharged Richie Bonallie on Sunday night?
Calmer, refreshed and improved.
Finally, assuming you’re eager to make up for lost time post-Rise and Conquer 12. What does the remainder of the year look like for you?
I’ll be training and getting ready for the next Rise & Conquer unless a good opportunity arises. I might have a dabble in grappling and maybe Kickboxing, but the main plan is to keep winning on Rise & Conquer and hopefully get a good opportunity on something special before I’m out.
Featured image credits to Angy Ellis Photography
