Exclusive Q&A: Meet Jack Bateson, Sky Scholar And Future British Boxing Star
In a week that has had the whole world talking about boxing, we caught up with one of the future stars of the sport, Jack Bateson, as he plans to let the world know who he is by qualifying for Rio 2016, with the help of the Sky Academy Sports Scholarship Scheme.
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SV: How much has the Sky Scholar Scheme helped you progress in boxing?
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Jack Bateson: ÛÏItÛªs helped me massively, I donÛªt think IÛªd be where I am today without it. When I first heard about the scheme it sounded too good to be true but when I finally got on the scheme, I was working with Sky, I had Johnny Nelson as a mentor and itÛªs been great. ItÛªs allowed me to do what I need to do to get to there I want to be.Û
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SV: At what point did you realise boxing was the career path for you?
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JB: ÛÏI started off boxing competitively at 11, which is the minimum age. I didnÛªt train quite so hard back then, and when I boxed for England I remember losing a fight and instead of putting me off it spurred me on even more. I knew then that this was what I wanted to do. The years have just flown by since then.Û
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SV: If you werenÛªt a boxer, what other career would interest you?
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JB: ÛÏIÛªd like to stay involved in sport. I went to University and studied sports coaching, so maybe IÛªd go down the teaching route or something like that.Û
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SV: Were you ever scared about the dangers of getting into the ring as a young fighter?
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JB: ÛÏMy first fight I wasnÛªt bothered at all, but when I started to win a lot of fights I became scared of losing. I actually used to throw-up before fights because I was so nervous – not of getting in the ring and fighting, but of failing to win.åÊ
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ÛÏMy Mum didnÛªt like me doing it because of that, but IÛªd still pull it off and eventually I started to get used to it and now IÛªve had over 100 amateur fights IÛªm a lot more comfortable. I feel like I can get in the ring with anyone in the world at my weight now. Obviously there are still nerves but you need that to keep you on edge and maintain your focus.Û
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SV: Rio 2016 is not far away now, how much is that on your mind at the moment?
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JB: ÛÏThis yearÛªs going to be massive for me, as is the start of next year. The qualifying tournaments are running through this year and the start of next, so I need to make sure IÛªm at the absolute top of my game and that there are no distractions.
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ÛÏItÛªs something IÛªve thought about since I was a young kid – it will be the pinnacle of my career, itÛªd be amazing to go to the Olympics in Rio.Û
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SV: You had a taste of the Olympics at London 2012 when you were a training partner for the team, what was that like?
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JB: ÛÏIt was a brilliant experience, I was sparring some fantastic fighters and I was only young so it was great to take it all in, see the team atmosphere and see what I ultimately want to be a part of. Now that IÛªve had a little view of it itÛªs spurred me on to train harder. It seems like yesterday but the next one is only round the corner.Û
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SV: Have you thought about turning professional yet?
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JB: ÛÏAt the minute I donÛªt think IÛªm ready to go pro, I donÛªt think IÛªm mature enough. IÛªm 20 years old but IÛªm a young 20, IÛªve only just started to really mature and I think I need a bit more experience in the amateurs.åÊ
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ÛÏAfter the Olympics it could be perfect timing, so IÛªm hoping to go to the Olympics and use the experience to kickstart my pro career.Û
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SV: Which boxers inspired you growing up?
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JB: ÛÏRoy Jones Jr was one of my biggest inspirations when I was younger. When I want to get hyped up for a fight or training, IÛªll watch his highlights on Youtube. I like Manny Pacquiao as well, the documentary Û÷MannyÛª about his life really inspired me, particularly when you look at what heÛªs achieved now – okay he lost to Mayweather but what a career heÛªs had.Û
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Jack Bateson is supported by the Sky Academy Sports Scholarships scheme, helping 11 young athletes fulfil their potential with tailored support including funding and mentoring.åÊwww.skysports.com/scholarships