Wonderland

In the second instalment of a monthly series, Ian Probert continues to follow cruiserweight James Branch as he makes the transition from amateur to professional boxing. This time, as the prospect enjoys his winning debut, we discover the only pressures are coming from behind the scenes

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WITH three days to go until he makes his professional debut James Branch is decidedly unconcerned about the prospect of stripping down to his shorts and showing everyone what he’s made of. “I dunno,” he shrugs, when I ask the young cruiserweight if he knows who he’s fighting. “I don’t care really.”

We’re in London’s five-star Landmark hotel, the venue for the final press conference before the commencement of June 23’s proceedings. Already the young man’s presence is not quite as anonymous as it was when we met a few weeks earlier. As reporters mill around sipping tea and chewing the cud, James is approached by television presenter and writer Steve Bunce. Later he gives his second video interview with IFL TV’s Kugan Cassius. But I’m still genuinely concerned about his indifference to his upcoming challenge.

“If it was me I’d be looking up his fights on YouTube and finding out as much as I can about him,” I say.

“You don’t understand,” he replies. “I’ve been here so many times before as an amateur. I don’t need to know the name of my opponent.”

At the O2 Arena the following Saturday James’ insouciance proves to be entirely warranted. A four-round stroll with an indifferent opponent named Kevin Williams gives everyone what they want: James is able to start up his motor and put a ‘W’ on his resumé without ever leaving first gear; promoter Frank Warren is no doubt happy to see the cotton wool removed from his latest investment; and James’ small group of supporters get to exercise their vocal chords with a rousing chorus of ‘Walking in a Branchey wonderland.’