John Loveday, Heavyweight Prospect Inks With Warren
Top heavyweight prospect John Loveday says taking punches is easy - after seven years on the frontline with the British Army.
Birmingham-based Loveday has just signed terms with promoter Frank Warren, and will make his debut in Liverpool on July 16 as part of the undercard to Ricky Burns' WBO super-featherweight title defence against
The 24-year-old has just finished a seven-year spell as a soldier, including a tour of Afghanistan.
"I was involved in some of the heaviest fighting British troops have seen since WWII," said Loveday, who signed up as a boy soldier at the age of 16.
"We were involved in fire-fights every day and had to deal with roadside bombs and rocket propelled grenades.
"One incident saw me badly injured, while the guy behind me lost his legs and an arm."
Loveday finished his army career as a Lance Corporal - although in Afghanistan he was an Acting Section Commander - but decided to leave because he'd seen "every situation possible" and has a young family in the UK.
A decent amateur who attracted the attention of the England squad and won the schoolboy ABAs, Loveday began boxing again at Birmingham's Star City Gym when he returned to civvy street, and was soon spotted by pro boxer Tony Randall.
He was soon persuaded to join the paid ranks, and when Warren came calling, didn't take long to put pen to paper.
"My main aim at the moment is to win the Lonsdale belt," said Loveday.
"It's always been a dream of mine, and at the moment I'm not thinking much beyond that, it is definitely my number one goal.
"You've got some great fighters at championship level like Dereck Chisora, but I'm knocking him when I say the domestic division is wide open at the moment.
"I believe with my speed that I can get myself into a position to challenge for the British title.
"I'm walking around 17'10 at the moment and I carry it well, so I'm not going to be a big lumbering heavyweight.
"It's a good time to be a pro boxer in Birmingham at the moment because there is a growing scene up here.
"I used to box in the amateurs with the likes of Frankie Gavin and Don Broadhurst, so it's good to see them doing so well as professionals, and hopefully we can be on some big shows together."