Ince: From Preston to New York

Preston Boxing trainer Karl Ince feels his aggression and determination fuelled his rise from Boxing at the Guild Hall in Preston to being in the Joe Calzaghe corner for his mega-fight against Roy Jones Jr

'I got into Boxing as a kid because I was aggressive and angry. I wanted to fight so the progression into the ring was natural' he stated

'I had my first fight aged 12, I remember winning it, it was such a great feeling' he enthused.

Ince went on to have a short career as a professional, which he started aged 21. The Preston man won 8 out of his 13 fights and fought in and around the Preston area, appearing at the Guild Hall 4 times. Ince feels he never truly fulfilled his potential as a professional.

'I went into the ring wanting to knock people out, and thought I could do it with either hand. None of my trainers taught me otherwise and its a big motivation for me as a trainer today' he said.

'My 3 years with Brian Hughes gave me a stepping stone to produce young fighters and I'm trying my best to produce Champions' he added.

Ince highlights his part in the Robin Reid camp for a world title fight with Jeff Lacey as one of the highlights of his career.

'I saw Jeff Lacey before that fight and thought 'what an awesome specimen'. He looked in superb shape. When he Fought Joe Calzaghe I didn't give Joe a chance. Joe Hammered him and my respect for Joe rose sharply after that fight' he reminisced.

'Then possibly the highlight was being in the Calzaghe corner for his mega fight with Jones Jr, its great to be involved and you really feel passionate as you want your fighter to win more than anything. The excitement is huge' said Ince.

Ince has respect for the greats of Boxing. He counts Rocky Marciano and Freddy Roach amongst his heroes.

'Rocky Marciano was a crude, rough fighter but his power was immense. Freddy Roach is my favourite trainer he has turned Pacquiao into a great champion' said Ince.

However, despite his admiration of Roach, Ince feels Hatton will be victor when the two clash in a super fight in Las Vegas on Saturday.

' Hatton is too powerful for Manny and too good as Boxer. Its a fight Ricky should win given his size advantage. However a problem with Ricky fighting is always going to be his cuts. If Manny cuts him it could be vital'

Ince career has been a roller coaster and he only hopes that it is on the rise. ' I feel lucky to have had these experiences but I want to push on now and really achieve something special in Boxing.