Crusaders big influence for Morgan
Bowyn Morgan is a big believer that to be the best, you need to learn from the best.
So it’s no surprise New Zealand’s No 1-ranked welterweight boxer is tapping into the trade secrets of the most successful side in Super Rugby history.
Morgan (15-1), has been honing his skills under one of New Zealand’s best boxing trainers, Phil Shatford, for years and now the 29-year-old is adding an extra edge under the guidance of Crusaders strength and conditioning coach Simon Thomas.
Morgan, who is two weeks away from what is likely to be a risky and brutal fight over 10 rounds against Mexican Andres Rodriguez (9-6) in Christchurch, has been working with Thomas since January.
Morgan, a personal trainer by trade, said cognitive training under Thomas had taken him to a new level, mentally and physically.
Cognitive training teaches high-performance athletes to make better decisions under pressure and fatigue by mixing brain exercises with physical training. The method is commonplace for the Crusaders – the reigning Super Rugby champions – and many other elite sports teams and individuals to ensure match winning opportunities are maximised with quality decision making.
Thomas said for a boxer, a split second opening may only come once in a fight so it is critical the chance is taken.
‘‘It’s freshened me right up and given me more confidence and mental clarity,’’ Morgan said. He also credits Thomas for improved strength and mobility through unique physical training techniques.
‘‘It blew my mind because he’s so busy with the Crusaders, so for him to help me is pretty special,’’ Morgan said.
The relationship works both ways. Morgan has been helping Israel Dagg and a handful of other Crusaders, who have been coming back from injury, with boxing related fitness.
And he has been making the most of it, picking their brains for any useful information.
‘‘Just being around those guys is a real positive. They are the best of the best,’’ Morgan said.
A four-time national amateur champion, Morgan has always possessed an obsession with improving and his latest initiative comes at the perfect time.
Rodriguez is a largely unknown quantity – footage of him is scarce – but Morgan has an idea what to expect.
‘‘He’ll be tough as nails. Able to take a shot and give about five back in the process. Mexicans live and breath that sort of stuff so I’m sure he won’t be shying away from a bit of action,’’ Morgan said.