Home truths help Billy
BILLY LE POULLAIN has escaped from some previously-untold pandemic doldrums into a much brighter reality of fighting on national TV and now contesting a Great Britain team spot.
In reaching the National Elite Championships final, where he lost to Olympic hopeful Ramtin Musah, the Amalgamated Boxing Club star has qualified for a post-Christmas assessment offering a place on Great Britain’s international team.
Yet in a solemn interview with England Boxing, the 26-year-old admitted that he had suffered mentally and turned to drink during the competition dry spell caused by Covid.
Support from those around him, including one particular exchange with Amalgamated Boxing Club ally Marcus Magloire on a night out, helped turn him around.
‘He said I was a better boxer than everyone else at the club, so why was I prepared to waste my talent?’ Le Poullain said.
‘When you look back at it – and a conversation I had with my coach Ben [Duff], who asked “did I want to be sat in the pub in 10 years’ time wishing I’d have done things differently?” – it was a turning point and saved my boxing career.
‘After that I got some professional help to get myself in a good headspace again and my friends and family have been phenomenal in helping me as well.’
Thankfully now in a better place, he told the Guernsey Press: ‘To go from that point to where I am now shows what can be done in a short period of time.’
Le Poullain relished boxing on such a grand stage in East London, even if the outcome did not favour him.
‘It was a good fight and I really enjoyed it,’ he added.
‘Every time a shot was landed, there were big cheers. I liked being on BBC iPlayer and I was trying my best to really make an impression on TV.’
He took to Twitter afterwards with the saying ‘win or learn’ – and admitted he has learnt a lot about himself this year.
In this national final, he believes he had suffered due to putting too much emphasis on the third round.
‘I just wanted to make sure I had plenty in the tank to dictate and dominate the last round, which I did,’ he said while admitting that saving himself in the first two may have cost him a more favourable outcome.
