Crusaders influence for boxer Bowyn
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 has 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.
Shatford is taking no comfort from Rodriguez’s six losses.
‘‘They’re all too good fighters and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Mexican that’s not talented.
‘‘The sport is so big over there, like rugby to New Zealand, so the quality is top shelf,’’ Shatford said.
The fight is believed to be the first time a Mexican professional will fight in Christchurch.
Morgan holds the IBO Asia Pacific and NZNBF welterweight belts plus the IBO Oceania super welterweight strap.
If he can defeat Rodriguez, who is fighting outside of Mexico for the first time, at the Hornby Working Men’s Club on May 4, he will add the Pro-Box welterweight belt to his collection.