An Interview With Les Sherrington

Les “Lock N Load” Sherrington recently caught up with fightnews.com, to inform our readers where his career is heading.

Sherrington is on somewhat of a roll of late, with wins over former challengers Shannan Taylor (TKO5) and Rubin Williams (TKO4).  Sherrington’s record stands at 26-5 (17 KO) with the majority of those defeats occurring while his career was in its infancy.

His all action style is garnering him plenty of fans in Australia, and he’s looking to add more on the world stage, very soon.

Les, thanks for taking the time to speak to www.fightnews.com.

It’s always a pleasure, mate.

Tell us about your recent fight against Rubin “Mr Hollywood” Williams.

My last fight against Rubin Williams wasn’t my best performance but there were some good things to take out of it.   Firstly, with Rubin being so experienced, yet I was so dominant.  I was also happy with the pressure and the kit punches I threw.

But I’m my own worst critic and even if I knock my opponent out in first minute, I’m never happy!  It was a good victory over a good opponent, so I am satisfied with that.

Did you prepare any differently for Williams than your previous opponents?

I did actually.  I always prepare very well for my fights, but I knew just how experienced and tough Rubin Williams is, so I had to be in the best shape of my life.  I was working on some extra skills and fitness with my trainer, Dan McGrail.

You’re currently ranked #8 in the world by the IBF and #15 by the WBA.  You’re also the WBF champion.  It seems that opportunities are beginning to open up for you…

Yeah they have definitely opened up.  In my last two fights, against Williams and Shannan Taylor, I had to make sure I was on top of my game or I wouldn’t have won.  I really can’t wait for my next few fights.  There looks to be some great fights for me on the horizon, so there are hopefully some very exciting times ahead.

There’s been plenty of talk in Australia about you fighting Anthony “The Man” Mundine.  I’m aware that you’ve sparred him plenty of times over the years.  Tell the readers about that experience and how you see a fight with Mundine playing out.  Do you think it is a bout that is likely to happen?

(Laughs) I would love to say that “Yeah I think this fight will happen”, but I don’t think it will. Mundine only fights guys that he knows he can beat.  Daniel Geale fought Mundine last year and it was a very tough fight.  Perhaps Anthony was lucky to get the win.  When the rematch came up, Mundine said: “No I’m moving down in weight”.  Good excuse buddy!

I have taken a lot of experience out of sparring with Mundine.  I’ve done nearly 100 rounds with him.  I have been told I may even be his opponent for his next fight in June, so fingers crossed!  I’m always ready….

Every time you step into the ring, you are in fantastic shape.  Tell us what your usual day of training consists of.

Mate, come on… I can’t go giving away all my secrets (Laughs).  My day consists of two sessions.  The first session is running and roadwork in the morning, with different exercises and strength work.  Two days a week I do sprints. Then my second session consists of boxing with the bag, work pads, skipping and sparring two or sometimes three times a week.

In your opinion, who is currently the best fighter in the Super Middleweight division?

Well that would have to be myself (Laughs).  The next in line I would have to say is Mikkel Kessler, who I would love to fight here on the Gold Coast in the future.  Then maybe Arthur Abraham.  It would be great seeing those two guys fight.

What do you see as your strengths as a boxer?  What areas do you need to work on?

I see my major strength as my array of punches.  By this I mean I don’t have just one or two different shots, I have a massive arsenal of punches in each hand.  I also think I have a lot of power in both hands and I seem to be getting stronger every week.

I think the thing I have to work on the most is just experience, which I have been getting in my last few fights, with the caliber of opponents I’ve been facing.  I also have a few little things to improve, but nothing too major.  That being said, I’m always learning.

Tell the readers about the team of people you’ve got behind you now.  You’re certainly a huge draw on the Gold Coast these days and your recent fight with Williams is the highest rating boxing card on Australian Pay TV this year.

My team is the best!  It might not be the best for everyone or anyone else, but it suits me.  My trainer Dan McGrail is like a father figure to me and has been for the last four-and-a- half years.  He is just so supportive and teaches me the right way to fight.

Con Martin is like my right hand man, helping with most of my early morning runs and sprints as well as everyday motivation.  On top of that he is just good bloke to be around.

Last but not least, my manager and promoter, Jamie Myer.  Jamie is a good mate of mine and has seen me rise up through the ranks.  He has promoted me from the start of my career and now is able to have me as a headline act for his big boxing shows here on the Gold Coast.

What are your plans now that you’ve defeated Williams?  Is there anything in the pipeline?

Nothing is locked in just yet, but there have been many offers flowing in to Jamie, Dan and myself.  We will sit down in the next few days to sort out and plan my next fight.  There are some great possibilities arising thanks to my victory over Williams.

Les, thanks for speaking to fightnews.com.  Anything you’d like to add in closing?

I’d just like to thank you very much for the interview and would love to do it again sometime!