Chris admits: ‘Even I was surprised when the title offer came!’
King and Butlin go head-to-head after the champ’s last fight
LET’S be honest, Chris King’s elevation to unlikely title contender came as a surprise.
Born in Ghana, based in Birmingham for the last five years, King has only had three bouts and never been beyond four rounds.
Yet on March 7, at Birmingham Airport’s Holiday Inn, the unknown commodity faces Midlands light-heavyweight champ Dave Butlin over the 10 round championship course. Mind you, Tamworth’s Butlin, with seven bouts to his name, is hardly a seasoned campaigner.
King, a product of McCracken’s thriving gym, admits even he was wrong-footed by news of the opportunity. “I was shocked,” he said, “I can’t give my manager (Spencer McCracken) enough praise. I have been asking for a challenge and my manager has done what I’ve asked.”
The man certainly has an interesting cover story. He left a good life and his family in Accra’s Jamestown district to be a part of Birmingham’s boxing boom. It was certainly a leap of faith – King had competed in only three amateur bouts.
Now 29, he’s a supply science teacher by day: “The kids really like having a teacher who’s a professional boxer.”
King won hjs first two pro contests on points, then travelled to Accra, Ghana, in September and halted countryman David Okai in one round.
That performance needs to be put into perspective. Okai had a big edge in experience, but I can trace a run of 15 straight stoppages: in this country, Okai’s licence would’ve been taken from him some time ago.
That result won’t change the wide odds in unbeaten Butlin’s favour.
“I’m excited for it,” King said. “I think it’s a test I need. I watched him win the title (on points against Ryan Whelan) and was impressed by his resilience and ability to sustain pressure. It’s going to be an all-action fight.”
King was also present at the Holiday Inn earlier this month when Butlin beat Lewis Howells over six rounds. He and the champ engaged in a very civilised – and cordial – “face-off” to publicise their clash.
“I will have to be at my very best,” King admitted. “This is a huge opportunity for me, so I’m putting all into the training camp. I’m aware, technically, I’m the underdog – he’s done 10 rounds, I’ve not done six.
“I’m aware it’s going to be a huge challenge, it’s uncharted territory for me. I have enough time to prepare and a great team around me – the McCracken team have enough experience to get me through.
“I like to think I’m pretty strategic and adaptable in the ring.”
For King the chance to become Midland king is an early dream come true.
He added: “This is why I’m working so hard, this is what I think about each day. The motivation couldn’t be greater – this could open a lot of doors.”