BN: How did it feel to step back into the ring after 17 months of inactivity and uncertainty about your career?
CB: It was a good feeling to be back in the ring. I had to overcome a lot of mental challenges and demons on Saturday night. The past months have been tough, with doubts and self-doubts about whether I would ever fight again. Mentally, it has taken a toll on my health and well-being. I questioned whether I would be the same fighter and if my relationship with the sport had changed. There were many thoughts running through my mind. It was more of an internal battle for me, rather than feeling pressure to impress the public or prove anyone wrong. I had built up a lot of thoughts and emotions during my time off. In the ring, I felt determined, disciplined, strong, and explosive. I did what I needed to do, going 10 rounds without showing any signs of ring rust. It was a very different feeling compared to my last fight. Before the fight, I surprisingly didn’t feel any nerves. When you feel like you were made to do something, the nerves have a different meaning. The ring walk and the fight felt natural to me.
BN: How did you handle the increased weight of your opponent?
CB: He was definitely the heaviest opponent I have faced. He could have been a middleweight or even a super middleweight. The only noticeable difference was that he could absorb my shots better. My training and sparring capabilities remained the same, regardless of the weight difference. I focused on matching the same numbers in terms of output, movement, and performance. The only difference was the opponent’s ability to handle the hits and use his weight to his advantage.
BN: Were you tested for doping?
CB: Yes, I have been tested numerous times, including throughout my time off. I underwent testing by VADA, with a urine test a few weeks before the fight and two more urine tests and a blood sample after the fight.
BN: Eddie Hearn has mentioned plans for a fight with Chris Eubank Jnr in December. Do you expect that to happen?
CB: The decision is not in my hands. I focus on my training and let my team handle the rest. I have full trust in my team and the setup we have. We have faced many setbacks in the past year with fights not happening as planned. Some people seem to not want me to fight. Hopefully, now that I have fought, we can open discussions with UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control to address any issues or concerns. We want to clear everything up and move forward. I wouldn’t have invested so much time, effort, and resources to prove my innocence if I were guilty.
BN: Chris Algieri was removed from the DAZN broadcast team. What are your thoughts on that?
CB: I believe he is a sore loser who can’t accept the fact that he got knocked out by someone less experienced. I understand it can be tough to swallow, but making claims and spreading rumors is not the right approach. If he was taken off the show, I believe it was karma catching up with him. However, I had no influence over that decision. I don’t follow his career closely.
BN: The British Boxing Board of Control has stated that you haven’t been cleared of any wrongdoing. How do you plan to address this?
CB: I will fight tooth and nail to prove my innocence. I am willing to spend all my earnings from boxing to clear my name. Money comes and goes, but my reputation is invaluable. Despite the injustices and mistreatment I have faced, I am still willing to cooperate and sit down with the authorities. I have nothing to hide.
BN: Your fight affected Jordan Thompson’s preparations for his upcoming fight. How do you feel about that?
CB: I have a close relationship with Jordan, and he is an incredible fighter. What matters is the work you put in when no one is watching and when you are not held accountable. Jordan always puts in the work, regardless of the circumstances. Our gym has a strong work ethic, mindset, determination, and discipline. Tony Sims has a great setup in the gym, and there are other fighters who keep each other honest. Jordan knows what he needs to do, and he has the talent and athleticism to succeed.
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