Kane calls time on a real Cinderella story

Kane Baker…fight fan who became champ. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB

YOU have to applaud the achievements of Kane Baker, the remarkably things he did.

They are the stuff of a Cinderella story.  

Bartley Green’s Baker joined the pro ranks in 2016 without fanfare, without solid amateur experience. Let’s be honest, without true lights-out punching power or dazzling skills.

His seemed a career destined to be short and spent in small halls.

Yet Kane, who announced his retirement this week, gained a Midlands lightweight title, came within a whisker of being English champ, fought in Italy, Gibraltar and Saudi Arabia and become something of a feature on major arena shows.

He boxed some of the best out there, no questions asked, and felt privileged to do so. In his fifth bout, Kane faced Conor Benn, soon to feature in a big money rematch with Chris Eubank.

Baker, who began with PJ Rowson then switched to BCB, gave good men a very hard night.

A real sawn-off Rocky, he achieved what he did through grit, fitness and an all-consuming passion for the sport. He was a die-hard fan who got to perform on shows he would’ve paid money to attend as a spectator.

Thumbing through my many articles on the warrior, I came across a 2018 Birmingham Mail piece that brought a smile: “His passion for the sport is best summed up by his points loss last November to Gary Cully on a world title bill topped by Carl Frampton. He and partner Coral, who shares Kane’s love for the unforgiving business, planned to attend as fans. They had even bought the beer and crisps. Then the 27-year-old learned, at 24 hours’ notice, he was boxing on the bill.”

He and Coral have proved a formidable partnership. She’s been very much part of the process and ensured ring earnings were wisely invested.

Kane, aged 35, lived the dream. Many fighters’ memories of the paid game are tinged with regret and bitterness: I have no doubt Baker will look back on his 35 bouts as the best time of his life.

On facebook, he posted: I’ve had loyal sponsors, fought on every platform, worked with top promoters, hustled every fight and penny I can. I’ve been treated with the highest respect in all the gyms had the pleasure of sharing rounds with some serious talent.”

Baker has Hearn laughing at a press conference head-to-head

What’s more, he is a larger-than life character who added Brummie humour to big fight press conferences. Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn seemed to enjoy his infectious personality as much as his fighting prowess. The pair appeared to have a bond.

The retirement is not unexpected: Kane had made it known he intended to walk away last year and stoppage defeat to Harvey Lambert in Hull on Saturday prompted him to close the curtain on a glorious nine-year stint.

Typically, the tough, tattooed boxer rose from a heavy knock down just before the bell to end the eighth and walked back to his corner with a broad grin. BCB boss Errol Johnson wisely pulled him out before the ninth.

I have a lot of time for Baker, he’s always welcomed me with a smile and handshake, always provided entertaining interviews.

Seven years ago, he told me: “I’ve achieved so much more than I set out to do. I’ve fought at York Hall, Bethnal Green, twice – that’s a double dream come true. I’ve won more than I’ve lost and I’ve never had more than three or four weeks’ notice.

“I’m not scared of taking a fight. When it’s all over, I want to tell my children about the men I fought who, hopefully, went on to big things.”

He achieved even more after that conversation. Baker has left the game with plenty of stories, plenty of friends and only happy memories.

That makes him a winner.