Scriven on tour in Iraq, but his thoughts are still with the Robin Hood Gym by Kevin Taylor Jul 17th 2008

Mention the name Matt Scriven to most boxing fans and they will say "Oh, yes the journeyman from Nottingham, but Matt obviously has a lot more strings on his bow than that.   At present he is on tour in Iraq and getting used to the 40-50 degree heat and has instructed P.T. for getting on 17 years now, he'll be 35 in September and completed his first P.T. course when he was 18 at the Army School of Physical Training.   "I know my stuff inside out, like I do my boxing. Yes I jump in now and then and get beat but I've always been a busy soldier and a student of boxing, rather than a boxer, although I do love to get in there and test myself."   "I turned pro whilst still in the Army, training young recruits at Army training regiment in Lichfield. Mike Shinfield had to get permission from my Commanding Officer and I think I was the first from the British army to turn professional."   As well as the Army life, Matt of course trains, managers and promotes shows, and his Robin Hood stable is continuing to grow and flourish.   "It hurts leaving my gym and my boxers to come here but I am determined and dedicated, I'm currently working 14 hour days over here in Iraq, and getting all there chubby ex-servicemen fit, there loving it. I do some sparring with an ex-Russian boxer out here, he's quite handy. (He's pictured below).     "Miss Bell keeps the busy gym ticking over while I'm away and does a great job, I've just signed up four more good prospects including two good amateurs, Peter Jones from Liverpool and Martin Mohammed from Nottingham, both will make their debuts in Nottingham on my next show in September, date to be confirmed.   "Also, I signed up Tyrone Wright before he beat Paul David for the Midlands' light-heavyweight title, he's now got a shot at the English title at Super-middle, a weight which he prefers, against Paul David again in Nottingham on October 17th, this time I'll be home to get him really fit and ready and we are both confident that even though Tye won 97-93 on points last time, this time it will not go to points."     "The other lad is David Keir, again from Liverpool, a real tough kid; he beat Matthew Hatton, rsf4. I remember him best for beating and retiring Darrel Grafton, a good fighter from Chesterfield, I think Keir can get up there in the mix too."   As well as these four of course British super-flyweight champion Andy Bell is a member of the team. Bell is set to face Bristol's Lee Haskins next.   "Andy is chomping at the bit to stand Lee Haskins on his head and give him a boxing lesson, and he will! Purse bids have to be in by Aug 13th and we can't wait for that one.   "I'm taking Bell and Wright on training camp to Tenerife again in late September. I'm confident I'll produce many more champions in time to come and both Bell and Wright will be in impeccable condition for there forthcoming title fights.   "The gym is always very busy, I have Mick Monaghan there as well, he coming down to middleweight or light-middleweight for one last push for titles, if all my boxer's had Mick's confidence and self-belief I wouldn't worry! He's also doing a second's course and I believe we'll make a great team once he passes here at Robin Hood.   "Dennis Corpe, unbeaten and loving the game since switching to me, is back after injury and wants a couple more fights before challenging for the Midlands belt. Young Charlie Chiverton looks to push his career forward this coming season after celebrating for far too long after his very impressive start to the pro ranks 2-0,1 early,   "Alex Spitko, my main sparring partner and good friend, aims to stay at welterweight after having to move up and down in weight just to get fights, he seems to be in the 'the no-one wants him club' after four straight, impressive, wins at his preferred weight.   "Fighters such as the much touted Stephen Haughian have turned down fights or pulled out against this lad, now I have help from Jimmy Gill, he finally looks set to fight, this time against Scott Woolford on the Mcdermott v Williams bill this friday (July 18th), after this I'm rewarding him with a masters title fight again on my next show in September, providing we can get someone to take him on, lol.   "And last but not least Nicky Furness will make his debut on that same show, long overdue and he can't wait."   We haven't seen the last of Matt in the ring either, last time out he faced former top England amateur Joey Selkirk, who was making his debut in Birmingham, in what was his 50th fight as a professional since debuting back in 1997.   "I'm back in the UK myself from early August and want matchmaker's to know I'm available, don't mind who against, just pay me good!"

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