County become hitmen Hatters!
STOCKPORT County took a different approach to their preparations for Saturday’s National League fixture with Ebbsfleet United by training alongside cruiserweight boxer Damian Chambers.
The first-team squad and manager Jim Gannon were invited to Hatton Gym in Hyde by Chamber’s trainer Matthew Hatton, brother of former world champion Ricky.
Players and staff were put through their paces in a boxing-style workout which tested their strength and fitness and left Gannon surprised with what he saw from his squad.
He said: “When the opportunity to come here came along we jumped at the chance. It shows the enthusiasm to work hard and I think the staff on both sides were pleasantly surprised with the technique, strength and fitness of our guys.”
Chambers, 30, from Dukinfield, was also impressed by the abilities of the players during the session, with some even able to keep up with him at a professional standard.
He said: “Their fitness was on point, they kept up so fair play to them, just when you thought they were finished they did another circuit!
“They kept up on the boxing side as well, some of them could even bang!”
After coming close to beating Mikael Lawal at Ultimate Boxxer earlier this year, cruiserweight Chambers is now looking ahead to his next fight as part of the undercard for the next event on December 13 at Planet Ice in Altrincham.
“Ultimate Boxxer was a great experience for Damian, even if it didn’t go the way he wanted,” said trainer Hatton.
“He’ll come back stronger and I still believe he was the best fighter in that tournament and he wants to try to avenge that loss.”
A number of County players and staff will also be in attendance on the night to give Chambers their support.
“Friday, December 13, is the night Damian Chambers is fighting on the Ultimate Boxxer undercard and a few of our lads will be down to support him and cheer him on,” Gannon added.
“Both sides will have been grateful for the change of scenery and we wish the guys here well with what they’re trying to achieve.”