Liam Vaughan: Day by Day

By: Marc Livitz: English boxer Liam “Punch” Vaughan has only been in the United States for a few months, yet he has already taken giant steps towards what he hopes will be a very promising career.

Earlier this year and at the tender age of 21, Liam made the decision to leave his lifelong home of Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom and take the trek across the pond in a voyage that has thus far landed in Los Angeles. Hollywood, California to be exact and into the now hallowed halls of the legendary Wild Card Gym. Vaughan (4-1) will make his American debut this Thursday in a four round, 155 lb. bout versus California native Terrell Williams at Florentine Gardens in Hollywood. The very personable and friendly Liverpudlian has found himself with the great honor of being under the tutelage of the recently elected International Boxing Hall of Fame trainer, the fabled Freddie Roach. He readily admits that he knew time was of the essence in terms of his ring life being fulfilled and given a chance to flourish. The decision to relocate alone to the United States was not a difficult one to make.

“This is the place where you have to be in order to make it to the big time, in my opinion. This is where it’s at. All of the best fighters are here as well as the best sparring and of everything else.”

Without a doubt, the worldwide phenomenon that is Manny Pacquiao has only garnered greater support for and strengthened the stock of trainer Freddie Roach. Liam has come to know Mr. Roach and feels that he’s definitely in the right place and at the right time. His words of praise for Freddie were beyond complimentary.

“He’s such an amazing guy and he has taken such good care of me as well as his other fighters. The sparring time and experience I’ve gained because of it has been great for me. I have had time in the ring with Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., Peter Quillin, Vanes Martirosyan, Alfonso Gomez and others. I’ve had the best of sparring with guys who in the best of physical condition.”, said Vaughan.

While many fighters hone their trade in the amateur ranks, “Punch” Vaughan feels that the most important factor is talent and doesn’t necessarily feel that what is good for one is just that for everyone. His amateur career in England was a brief one which consisted of just over thirty bouts with 28 wins. He further commented on his beliefs concerning life before the professional ranks and his aspirations to have the right set of eyes on his ring work when the time comes.

“I never really cared much for the amateur system. It’s actually terrible, in my opinion. I just wanted to make to the pros. Too much emphasis is put on the amateurs. It’s the talent that matters the most. I’d really just like to fight as often as I can and hopefully, one of the top promoters will see me. I’ll go for the best deal that works for me and that’s the way I’ll go. I’ll just do my talking in the ring and I’ll hope to keep on winning.”

Most professional athletes have in their minds at least one all-time favorite in whose steps they wish to someday follow. For Liam, the example is not just Julio Cesar Chavez, but his father and other family members as well. He was also quick to point out the differences between promotional companies in the United States as compared to that of his native United Kingdom.

“The boxing game in England is terrible at the moment. There’s just a few promoters and none of them can seem to ever get along. Over here, it’s a lot better.”

With the exception of just a few fights stateside that can’t seem to be made and the resulting fallout that is so easily heaved upon various promotional companies, it’s a bit difficult to disagree with Liam Vaughan. Regardless, his attitude towards not only boxing but life in general is a commendable one. His journey is only beginning.

July 9, 2012