Nico Michael is in the habit of counting the calories after getting himself back to optimum fitness for the sequel to his pro debut.
His second outing comes when BCB Promotions host their next show at the Park Inn Hotel, in Northampton town centre (Silver Street), on Friday February 24.
He’s never felt in better shape since starting to work with nutritionist Jack Coak, ahead of his debut in the bantamweight division.
The 27-year-old, who grew up in Kingsthorpe, plans on getting down to super flyweight, but already has one points success under his belt.
Michael defeated Reiss Taylor, through a 39-37 verdict, conceding a round and a share of another on the way, while still easing to a two-point buffer.
That came after a relatively short amateur career, which concluded with nine wins from 13 bouts, having started out at Northampton Boxing Club, before moving on to Kings Heath BC.
He’s since moved on to be trained by James Conway, out of the Team Shoe Box gym, where his fitness is coming on leaps and bounds.
Michael is looking to record, at least, a points landslide this time, having learned his lesson in how not to close a fight, albeit in victory, last time.
He said: “I’m ready to go, I’ve kept up the fitness from my debut and, importantly, my nutrition, which made me feel 10 times better in my last fight.
“I started working with Jack (Coak, nutritionist) about eight weeks out from my debut, so I made the weight well and we’ve been sticking to the rulebook for this one.
“At one point, I was down to four per cent body fat and consuming, at most, 1,600 calories a day, while still eating three meals per day. They were quite flavoursome, as well.
“It was amazing to make my debut. I’d sold a lot of tickets, so a lot of the people were there to see me and that made it even better.
“My opponent was taller than me, so I came out strong, put him on the back-foot and worked the body, as best I could. He used his advantage and I got around it.
“At the end of the four rounds, the bell went and I thought to myself ‘I could do that all over again.’ My fitness was there and it will be again.
“I thought I’d won all four rounds, but I lost one and that certainly wasn’t by choice. It was the last round and probably down to inexperience, in not doing enough to win the round.
“I’m after a 40-36 (points landslide) or maybe even a late stoppage this time. I’ll see what he’s got and work him out, that’s how I box.
“I know that I’m strong and that my jab is there to use, if I need it. I want to get this one in, get back on board and start training for the next one.”
Tickets for the Park Inn bill are available, priced at £40 for unreserved seating or £75 VIP ringside with buffet, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com.
