Getting to know...Denton Vassell by James Howard Jan 22nd 2008

When not opening accounts at the world's 'local bank', Denton Vassell trades punches, works on his balance, and calculates his next move from Bob Shannon's busy Fighting Fit Gym. The muscle-bound Mancunian found a few moments to speak with James Howard to explain his short but successful amateur career and his plans for the future in the sport. Currently "ticking over at the gym and chilling until I get called out", the man from the Manchester suburb of Miles Platting has a varied employment history which began as an electrician before moving on to the more comfortable surroundings of his desk in Salford's branch of HSBC. The 22-year-old began boxing at Fox ABC, home to another 'Getting to know...' featured fighter and fellow Sports Network stable mate Anthony Crolla. "I started at 15 years old - I trained for a year first. I wanted to keep fit so I just tried out boxing." "(I liked) Tyson, Marciano, Frazier and Jack Dempsey they all gave an exciting aura in the ring. They were the smallest in the weight class but were on top of everyone, and most of all they were ruthless." A lack of fight experience was to prove little burden to the big punching combatant who was able to achieve a win in the ABA's. Despite holding an early memory of being terrified when he first fought, Denton describes his amateur career in matter of fact fashion, "I beat the guy who won the under-tens, then I beat the guy who won the under-20's - Then I won the ABA's! I only had 21 fights and I lost four. I'll fight them guys again and beat them this time, I didn't have much experience at the time." In fact, the experience ranks as the most memorable event of Vassell's fledgling career. "Winning the ABA's, I couldn't believe it because I'd only had 19 bouts at the time. Hard work does pay off, trust me!" Turning pro came next for the Vassell, as did the creation of the ring moniker 'Achilles'. "I like Greek warriors and I like the name." Coach Bob Shannon is on record as stating the name originates from a day they watched a film and he identified the "agility, courage and power" of Achilles in his own welterweight warrior. Apparently Shannon has also had to order a more forgiving body belt after feeling the bounce from Vassell's shots; he had never been hit like that even by the heavyweights he has worked with. Denton is full of respect for Shannon. "Bob is like a second father, he looks after all of us in and out of the gym. He's good at pushing you to the next level." Vassell trains everyday so it is fortunate he enjoys it, in fact he hates not training. He names the best thing about training as "blood, sweat, tears, pain and knowing you're getting better." The best thing about being a boxer? A nice and healthy body, the lifestyle, sharp mind, keeps you out of trouble, and a load of respect. You can control your anger and use it when you need to like fire." Kevin Anderson and Ali Nuumbembe both share the gym (although Ali has just quit Britain to return to his homeland of Namibia and join the Army), something Vassell is grateful for. "Ali and Kevin are both great fighters and with two different styles, which is also good. It builds my confidence a lot because they are both in my weight class and are in the top ten." "Ali is tough and I learned a lot from him. I also learn from light-heavyweight Mark Neilson, he makes me move my head...a lot [laughing]." The experience should prove useful as the powerful welterweight is enthusiastic about the prospect of climbing the card at Sports Network's events, "I can't wait, I'm very confident and excited. With the style I've got, I know I'll go far." He is eager to prove himself as the best in the division he considers to be one of the toughest. With no lack of confidence, Vassell rates the best British and world fighters as himself and soon to be himself, and dream opponents roll off his tongue, "Mayweather, Hatton, Andre Berto... I like Hatton's relentlessness and pressure, also his effective body punches and fitness. But Mayweather is best by far he's got top belief in himself and by far the best boxing skill, I love his speed." Obviously power is an asset for Vassell, but what does he consider to be he strengths? "I've got speed, a good chin, a good defence, good skill, and very good strength but I say my best strength is my heart and my belief and my elusiveness in the ring." "I hope to be the best and number one. It's not about the money and fame, they just come anyway. My goal is for my name to live through the ages in boxing." The eclectic welterweight relaxes with music, watching films and spending time with the family. The Manchester man isn't a fan of football though; he hates it but likes basketball and tennis. He adds that he can't get enough of boxing. With a desire to box in his home town's arena (Manchester) and Las Vegas, Vassell has a tip for fans of the sport, "Watch out for me, I'm coming..."

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