Wednesday 19 April 2017 10:36, UK
Jack Bateson is fired up after watching Tony Bellew and David Haye slug it out having just returned from fighting himself in Italy.
The 22-year-old from Leeds has had a few days to put his feet up after returning to the ring recently with the British Lionhearts in Rome.
How did Jack get on and what did he make of the intriguing battle between Bellew and Haye on Saturday? The Sky Academy Sports Scholar opens up....
I had not been that excited for a fight in years. Haye and Bellew are two thrilling boxers with explosive styles and the fact that they didn't like each other in the build-up made you want to see them go at it even more.
Saturday's fight was a massive opportunity for them to set up future mega fights and Bellew had it all to do - fighting above his usual weight category and was facing one of the most explosive heavyweights on the planet.
Both fighters came out swinging from the opening bell and had me on the edge of my seat for the first five rounds. Haye looked to just be in front on the cards up to about half way through but was out on his feet after going over on his ankle.
From that moment, it was all Bellew. Haye did very well to stay in there as long as he did, sucking up a lot of punishment while fighting through injury. It's hard enough boxing, never mind doing it on one leg. Haye deserves a lot of credit.
It was massive respect to both fighters, but Bellew especially after everyone had written him off. He truly believed he would win. The mind is a very powerful tool and him and his trainer Dave Coldwell went out with a game plan and had clearly worked very hard to execute it.
One of my favourite moments was seeing the pair embrace after the fight and show each other so much respect after the spiteful build-up.
That's what is so special about boxing. It's just a business, and almost all the time it's nothing personal. After it's all said and done you can be friends and have a laugh afterwards.
Congratulations to Bellew and if the rematch was to happen I would love to see it all over again.
Regarding myself in the ring, I didn't get the result I was hoping for when I fought at the World Series of Boxing (WSB) for the British Lionhearts in Rome.
I felt I did well against a decent fighter in Francesco Maietta (Italy's current lightweight 60kg national champion). I've been down of course because I hate to lose, but I have to stay positive and look at what went well.
I boxed away from home in my first Bantamweight WSB experience. I felt fit and strong throughout the five rounds and despite the scorecards I had a very close fight with a good opponent and know the decision could have been the other way round if it was at home in England.
I enjoyed the experience of fighting in Italy. The opponent's cheering crowd got me fired up and I had a great team with me in Galal Yafai (house mate in Sheffield), Dalton Smith (long time friend in boxing from Sheffield) and of course my brilliant GB coaches Paul Walmsley, Lee Pullen and Tony Davies.
I was also lucky to have my mum, dad and brother fly out to watch me in Rome too. I can't thank them enough for their support throughout my career. They inspire me to perform and do well.
There's no time for negativity. I've had bigger disappointments over the last year and I've had some good feedback from those that watched my performance.
I'm a fighter and I'm learning all the time. I just want to be the best I can be and I can't ask for better experiences than this. Every bout I have I will either win or I will learn.
I'm back in the gym working hard and thinking about my next move. Nights like Saturday with Bellew and Haye really excite me and I would love to one day fight on the big stage.
WHAT'S COMING UP FOR OUR SCHOLARS
MARCH 10-12: Elise Christie, World Championships in Rotterdam
MARCH 10-12: Lucy Garner, Drentse Acht van Westerveld, Netherlands
MARCH 25-26: Quillan Isidore British SX Open
