Ring leader
Truro fighter Mitch Redmond strives to reach pro status
While many local fighters will be competing at an event later this month in Millbrook, the highlight of the night will be when a young Truro fighter steps into the ring.
Mitch Redmond, 19, of the Hubtown Boxing Club, will put his 5-0 record on the line in his May 26 bout at Legends Gaming Centre.
Redmond has come a long way since his debut in boxing seven months ago, winning all five matches he’s competed in, including the co-main event at the club’s last fight night in October.
“I’ve got background in other martial arts,” said Redmond, about his short but successful boxing career so far.
“I’ve done eight years of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and another five years of kickboxing. My brother originally got me into jiu- jitsu when I was playing hockey in major bantam. I really didn’t have the time to commit to it at first, but I quickly fell in love with it. From there, hockey just became less interesting. All I wanted to do was fight.”
Redmond’s experience in other combat sports has made him a dangerous opponent.
“His style is unlike anyone I’ve ever seen,” said Darrin Mosher, head of Hubtown Boxing Club.
“It’s not a style traditionally taught, so it makes him a very difficult opponent and hard to stick with. For every five punches you get on him, he’s got 20 on you. He’s a really unique boxer.”
Redmond’s calm demeanor in the ring also benefits his style, allowing him to make fast, calculated moves against his opponent.
“A lot of people get in the ring and get nervous or worked up by the crowd. Then they end up forgetting what they know how to do,” he said.
“Being able to keep my head cool and thinking about what I’m doing in there allows me to watch and analyze my opponent to figure out what he’s doing.”
Before boxing, Redmond’s original plan was to advance into MMA. But due to lack of fights in kickboxing and his recently found success in boxing, Redmond plans on getting as many fights as he can under his belt before 2019, which will allow him to compete as an open class fighter.
“Right now I want to see how far amateur boxing takes me,” he said.
“If I don’t make a national team after a certain amount of time, I’ll just be repeating myself, so at that time, I’ll go pro in boxing.
“If you’re in amateur boxing, you can’t do other combat sports during that time, but if I go pro, I can compete as an amateur in MMA. If I can make a living off boxing though, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Redmond will continue to prepare over the next week for his May 26 match in front of the hometown crowd.
“I don’t usually get nervous when a match is coming up,” he said.
“I’m usually on edge a little bit, because if you’re not, you usually underestimate your opponent. I’m more focused on getting prepared and being ready to give my best performance that night. I want to be on top of my game.”
“Right now I want to see how far amateur boxing takes me. If I don’t make a national team after a certain amount of time, I’ll just be repeating myself, so at that time, I’ll go pro in boxing.
Mitch Redmond