By Alistair Hendrie
Tony Pace may be a novice with just three wins and four defeats but the Talbot Green lightweight is far more than meets the eye. Ahead of his British masters title clash with Lance Sheehan on December 1st, Pace has left no stone unturned and has travelled far and wide in search of some of the best sparring Britain can offer.
Combining his rigorous training schedule with part-time work at McDonalds, Pace has learned, observed, and soaked up valuable experience training with the likes of British welterweight champion Frankie Gavin and WBO world light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly.
“The better the sparring is, the more I’ll learn,” said Pace. “I went to stay with the Walsh brothers in Norwich as well. Right from training to eating, we did everything together. They’re really great boxers and a great family.”
He continued: “Cleverly came to my gym to spar Hari Miles and I did a few rounds with him afterwards. Even just watching him, I learned so many little things I can use in the future.
“Doing ten rounds for the first time against Sheehan won’t be a problem as I’ve been sparring for ten rounds in the gym all the time. I’m feeling fit and I’m ready.”
At just 19, Pace is taking everything from training to learning from defeats in his stride. Perhaps it’s that willingness to learn and ability to accept advice that has helped him become so popular. Of course, Pace is also eager to pick up more sponsors in the future, as well as holding hope of striking a permanent deal with burgeoning promoter Martin Lyons.
“I’ve had a few chats with Lyons so once he gets his promoter’s license sorted, we can go from there,” said Pace. “I’m very level headed and I think that’s why people like me. I’ve taken the hardest fights I can and have gained experience from that. A lot of people who’ve saved their records can’t do that and then they normally come unstuck.
“I’m enjoying my boxing and the more people who know about me, the better. I come to give the fans an exciting fight and just give everything I’ve got.”
