Thursday 11 May 2017 09:38, UK
After his first professional defeat, Ben Hall sought the help of Gennady Golovkin's trainer and reveals how he earned the respect of Abel Sanchez.
The remote Big Bear mountain is a harsh contrast to Hall's usual home comforts in Chadwell Heath, with its lung-busting steep roads instead of the familiar high street in the Essex heartland.
"When people are saying you are living and breathing boxing, you really are up here," said Hall. "The people are serious - and it's what you have to do to become a champion."
On a bleak night in November, Hall's unbeaten record was ended by a sixth-round stoppage defeat to the battle-hardened veteran Carson Jones at Wembley Arena.
Watching from the opposite corner that night, was the familiar face of Sanchez, who has guided the career of the fearsome Golovkin and is also the long-term trainer of the American.
Hall remained in contact with Jones, despite that painful defeat, and asked the American for the opportunity to train at 'The Summit' gym under the watchful eye of Sanchez.
"You have to work hard and earn your place up here," said Hall, who has been sparring with highly-rated super-welterweight Michel Soro.
"I've been here for a month and I've adjusted to it fine, the altitude. It's like a month's test you have got to pass basically and I've been here a month, and have survived.
"It's been a leap of faith. I was underperforming at home, I wasn't taking the sport seriously. I was getting frustrated.
"I spoke to my parents about it and they just said 'go with it.' It's been the best thing I've ever done. I've not just changed as a fighter out here, I've changed as a person."
Golovkin will soon be heading to Sanchez's high altitude camp to begin preparations for his mega fight with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez on September 16.
A minor shoulder injury forced Hall to push back plans for a US debut as he needs treatment back in Britain, although he could return ahead of schedule to see the middleweight king.
"I would like to come back early and watch him train," he said. "The guy is a legend. It's very chilled up here, everyone is laid back, no big egos. Obviously, they do speak of Gennady. All I can gather is that he's an absolute beast.
Gennady hit it and it ripped off the ceiling and onto the floor. He broke it completely and this bag is heavy.
"There's a small bag up here on a spring and I like to think I can hit a bit. I'm whacking it hard, smashing it, thinking I've got some power here. But I've been told that Gennady hit it and it ripped off the ceiling and onto the floor. He broke it completely and this bag is heavy. He must have freaky power."
Sanchez's strenuous training regime has vastly improved the physical condition of Hall, who intends to step down to welterweight in pursuit of major titles, and GGG's mentor soon passed on a few technical secrets.
"You have to really earn his respect, he's a no-nonsense fellow, but he's given me a load of time up here and he's improved my overall balance dramatically," said Hall.
"I thought I could punch hard with single shots, but I can throw about five shots now on balance, hard every shot, and not be off balance at all.
"He's taken me into his home, he owns this place. I'm living under his roof and he's made me feel welcome.
"Not only that, he's given me time, and that is the most you can give someone. I really appreciate what he has done for me. I'm not just a new fighter, I'm a new man. I'm very happy and grateful."
