The Official Weigh-In - **Steve "The Phoenix" Milton VS Paul "The Punisher" Tucker**

Steve "The Phoenix" Milton

So the weigh in was really nerve racking if I am honest.  I was under the impression that even though we had a weigh in at the gym, this would be officially taken at the weigh-in night.  Hence I had starved myself most of the week and tortured myself by taking Jade, Dad, Nitz and Coop to Grillstock for them to eat glorious slow cooked BBQ meat, drink great craft beer, cider and posh soft drinks...all for me to just watch.  

In the words of Linkin Park....in the end it didn't even matter as they took our gym weight and didn't weigh us on the night, they just announced the match ups.

The venue itself was....hmmmm...interesting.  I wouldn't say I would frequent the establishment myself, however the staff were friendly and the crowed was great and in good spirits.  I think that everyone was in the same boat, a bit of bravado but nerves all round.

The crowd patiently awaiting the announcements

The crowd transfixed by the match ups as they are called one after another

We were told that there will be around 30 bouts on the night so the tension just ramped up as I was one of the last fighters to be called.  As my fellow competitors went up for their photos and drifted back down, I saw many of those who I expected to be paired with come and go leaving me thinking who the hell was I going to fight?

At last, the announcement came.  I was first to be called.  For your benefit and joy, here is my photo again.  I was actually really struggling to get a half serious game face on so I am relieved that it came out not too bad in the end.  And then came, my opponent....

IN THE RED CORNER: Steve "The Phoenix" Milton

IN THE BLUE CORNER: Paul "The Punisher" Tucker

**Steve "The Phoenix" Milton VS Paul "The Punisher" Tucker**

In all honesty I was shocked and surprised.  In my head I had a list of people that I really didn't want to fight and also a list of those who I thought I would like to.  Paul did not feature on either list.

Whilst I have been training under Nayan, I believe that Paul has been working with Fais.  Both being experienced trainers and not wanting to throw their own reputation and pride away they must be convinced that this will be a great, exciting, evenly matched bout.  There is only one way to know for certain.....fight night.

So with that I will leave you with your own thoughts and opinions.  Feel free to share, good or bad, tips and advice or just plain abuse, I can take it, I am thick skinned (it may even spur me on?).

Remember, this is all for charity. I have hit over £500 so far but would love to hit that magic £1500!  So please please please donate here.  It is for a great cause.

Thanks for reading my latest take on life

Steve

P.S I'm actually going for my run now.  And I am going to get drunk next week.  So whoever volunteers to buy me that one drink that is going to tip me over the edge into a drunken stupor will get to keep my sweaty groin guard as a souvenir.  Aren't I good, what a treat ;-)