Ashley ‘Treasure’ Theophane was born in Paddington, London on August 30th, 1980. He dreamed of becoming a professional boxer as a child. At 5 years old, he would stay up watching all the big fights in Las Vegas and hoping to one day become part of the boxing industry. After taking up boxing in his younger years, Ashley decided to make his dreams a reality when he turned pro at the age of 23. He is now based in the entertainment capital of the world and has elevated his career within the sport of boxing as part of the Mayweather Promotions team. Read below to find out more about our featured fighter, Ashley Theophane.

Q: Which athletes did you look up to the most growing up and why?

As I was growing up, I looked up to Michael Johnson, Mike Tyson, and Andre Agassi. They were the best at what they did and entertained audiences at the same time. I took up boxing, tennis, and other sports because of them.

Q: What’s the best part of being a professional boxer?

To me, there are many positive aspects when it comes to being a boxer. I’m originally from London and now based in America. I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world. I’ve had fights in America, Saint Lucia, Germany, and Luxembourg. I’ve met so many people throughout my career. I would never have the opportunity to meet these people if I wasn’t a pro boxer. It’s an amazing feeling to achieve your goals.

Q: What is the most challenging thing for you in this sport?

The most challenging for me is the sacrifice you have to make to achieve your dreams. You need tunnel vision. You need to work hard and dedicate your all to what you’re doing. I’m very focused. All my energy goes to this sport. It takes a very strong-minded person to be a pro boxer.

Q: How did you get involved in boxing?

I used to watch boxing with my dad when I was around 4 or 5 years old. It was just something I always wanted to do. I would see all the big fights in Las Vegas and just remember thinking that I wanted to be a part of that industry. It has motivated me to continue accomplishing my dream. Thirty years later, I’m now based in Vegas and signed to the number one boxer in the world. That’s an incredible experience in itself.

Q: What has been the biggest motivation for you to pursue your goals?

Like I’ve mentioned before, I’m originally from London. I was born in the city of Westminster and raised in Brent. I was surrounded by poverty and crime as a youngster. I didn’t want that life for myself. I wanted to go out into the world and live my dream. Making a better life for myself has always been the motivation.

Q: What are the most memorable moments in your career?

Some of the most memorable moments for me were fighting in my father’s homeland of St. Lucia, becoming the British champion, beating Delvin Rodriguez in July 2010 was a surreal experience, and not to mention, getting signed to Mayweather Promotions. That’s just incredible. These are the four things I’m most proud of. I feel incredibly blessed. All these experiences all lead me to where I am now.

Q: You have twenty seconds to give advice to someone who wants to pursue a career in this industry. What would you say?

ou need to surround yourself with a great team. That’s the key. You only can do so much by yourself. You need a great team to support you and believe in you. The people behind you can lift you to great heights if you work hard and dedicate yourself to the sport.

Q: If you could act as a character in any movie, which character would it be and why?

I’d love to be Superman! I would love to have the ability to fly around the planet and save people. That would be so much fun. I have to admit though that sometimes I feel like I have super powers!

Q: What other sports do you enjoy playing or watching?

I really enjoy swimming! That’s something I like to do in my free time. I watch tennis, soccer and other sports, but tennis and soccer are mostly what I gravitate towards.

Q: What would you like to say to your fans?

I’d like to thank my fans for the support and well wishes. I’ve received so much love in London. It’s amazing. My fans in America and across the world have all really shown me a lot of support as well. I just want to thank them all so much for all the love!

Over the last four weeks I have been in London, New York City and now I’m back in Las Vegas.

I was back in London after nine weeks in Las Vegas, watching and learning from the highest paid athlete and number one boxer in the world, Floyd Mayweather. That was a great experience to train with, and alongside Floyd and his fighters. My services were requested by former world champion, Luis Collazo, whose team flew me to New York from London. Luis has fought some of the best fighters of our generation in Shane Mosley, Ricky Hatton and Andre Berto. It was the second time we were sparring, and the spectators would have gladly paid to have watched the action.

It was very good to be back at Gleason’s gym in Brooklyn. Some of the greatest fighters ever to lace up boxing gloves have walked through the doors of Gleason’s gym; Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Larry Holmes, Roy Jones, Marvin Hagler, Carlos Monzon, Pernell Whitaker, Wilfredo Benitez, Julio Cesar Chavez and Alexis Arguello have all trained at this gym. They are the greatest!

I’ve had the pleasure of training there since 2005. That is now eight years. Whenever I walk through the doors when returning from the UK, Bruce Silverglade, the owner always says “welcome home”. This place is my home away from my home at All Stars Boxing Club in London.

I’ve learned so much at Gleason’s gym and I’ve made some friends for life. Many of the fighters there encourage me “to keep on doing what I’m doing”, as it inspires them and helps them push hard towards their own dreams. I try to inspire myself everywhere I go, and when it rubs off on others around me; it’s an amazing feeling and motivates me even more to keep up the hard work, dedication and perseverance.

I have sparred world champions Joan Guzman, Elio Rojas, Yuri Foreman, Paul Malignaggi, Argenis Mendez and countless world ranked fighters at Gleason’s. For all my big fights, except my fight against former world champion DeMarcus Corley, I’ve had a training camp at Gleason’s gym. My fights with world champion Danny Garcia, two time world title challenger Delvin Rodriguez, British champion Lenny Daws and European champion Jason Cook where all performances that came from my day in, day out sacrifice at the world renowned boxing gym.

Whilst in Brooklyn, I had a very interesting meeting with a New York promotional group who are keen to sign me. They believe I am the sleeping giant in the 140lb division and that I am capable of beating any 140lb fighter in the world today. This informs me just how highly I am respected in America. State to state, and coast to coast, I’m recognised and respected. I am seen by many as one of the hardest workers in America. My conditioning has been praised at Mayweather’s Boxing Club in Las Vegas and at Gleason’s gym in New York City.

I’ve set the bar high for myself now, and consistency is now the key. There can be no letting up, if it’s in the ring, on the roads or in the gym. I have to keep pushing myself harder, faster and further.

We ended the week of training in Las Vegas with a 6am run up Mount Charleston. There were eight of us from the Mayweather Boxing Club. It was hard work running 9000ft above sea level. After the run former world champion and world class trainer to champions, Eddie Muhammad treated us to breakfast at Baby Stacks restaurant.

It is good to be back with all the guys in the gym. We work hard together and support each other on our continuing quest for glory. We are stronger together.

ASHLEY SPARRING LOU COLLAZO AT STARRETT CITY BOXING, NEW YORK

A huge thanks to George Johnson at Phenom Photography

ASHLEY THEOPHANE VS SHAWN CAMERON SPARRING HIGHLIGHTS

ASHLEY THEOPHANE GLEASON'S GYM INTERVIEW JUNE 4TH 2013

ASHLEY THEOPHANE GLEASON'S GYM WORKOUT HIGHLIGHTS

ASHLEY THEOPHANE ON TRAINING AT THE MAYWEATHER BOXING CLUB

Over nine unforgettable weeks spent at the unique Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas. I've had an incredible time. It has been without doubt, the best training camp I've ever had in America.

I've sparred two weight world champion Celestino Cabarallo, world number six Shawn Porter, world number fifteen Vernon Paris, US Olympian Errol Spence Jr., The Money Team's Mickey Bey and Semajay Thomas, who was US number one and world number five as an amateur. I had intensive but very entertaining sparring with all these talented fighters.

I am now more than ready for my fight on Miranda Carter's Left Jab Promotions show next Saturday 18th May at the Greys Civic Centre in Essex. It will be my 40th fight and 34th win.

There are many great memories of this trip; I was invited to the Alicia Keys concert by Floyd. I even got a lift home one night in his white Ferrari. I also watched his Larry King interview being filmed with the rest of his team. Hanging out with The Money Team was a brilliant experience; they are a great bunch of guys. Ishe Smith’s BBQ for the Vegas community was a wonderful gesture and a worthwhile cause. A true champion giving back to his people.

This week was the biggest week in the world of boxing this year. 'May Day' was finally here. The number one athlete in the world of sport, Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather was the focus in Las Vegas and all around the world.

I started the week with a telephone interview with Steve Bunce from BoxNation TV it was quite a change from being in the studio with him. Steve was very interested in how Floyd's training camp had been, and I hope I was able to share some of the excitement and professionalism that he brings to his workouts.

Leonard Ellerbe had given an interview earlier and had mentioned that Floyd wanted to do a show in the UK. Floyd had also told me the same thing, so there is a ring of truth about it. Floyd loves his UK fans!

This was a busy week for Floyd. He started the week by jetting off to Los Angeles on Monday for an interview. Tuesday was the fighter arrivals; the boxers on the card came to the MGM hotel in order for the fans to take photos. They follow the photo call by doing a few interviews for the media. Wednesday was the press conference, followed by some of the undercard fighters doing a media workout. Friday was the weigh in, which was unbelievably attended by some 8,000 fight fans. Later on Floyd did boxing workouts at the gym to get his body adjusted to fighting in the evening. Floyd still goes pretty intense on fight week to keep his body up to pace with what he has been doing over the last eight weeks.

I sparred with US Olympian Errol Spence Jr. on Monday for the last time, as he was due to fight on Friday in Las Vegas at the Cosmopolitan. He won that fight in some style with a first round knockout. Within a few years he will be probably winning a world title.

On Tuesday after the fighter arrivals at the MGM, Floyd passed by the gym to watch his young stars working out. A fighter that had met Floyd in Atlanta turned up at the gym. Floyd asked 'The Money Team' fighters who should give this guy that 'dog house' work. Lanell 'KO' Bellows and J'Leon Love shouted out "give him that Ashley Theophane work".

The guys have seen me put in some good and solid performances against Vernon Paris, Shawn Porter, Mickey Bey, Errol Spence Jr. and Celestino Caberello. So it was a really nice touch that they wanted me to represent the Mayweather Boxing Club. Normally that honour goes to a young amateur fighter called Memphis. A couple of other fighters offered their services to Floyd, but Floyd said he wanted to see me work. And work I did to good effect.

I was at the Ricky Hatton weigh in, back in November and that was a massive event, but Floyd Mayweather’s weigh in was a whole different level. Floyd invited me to his fight and gave me three tickets worth $4,500. The MGM Grand on Saturday had an atmosphere I'd never witnessed before despite having attended some huge shows in the past. It was a truly fantastic event, a fight fans dream.

J'Leon Love, Badou Jack, Lanell Bellows, Luis Arias, Ron Gavill and Floyd Mayweather, all of whom I had trained with in some capacity, all won their fights in stunning fashion. Luis and J'Leon were given hard tests that they came through. Floyd Mayweather put on a punch perfect master class in outpointing Robert Guerrero.

After the fight I went backstage with The Money Team to go and meet Floyd. When he had finished being tested for PED's, we went off to the post fight press conference. Floyd praised his opponent for his skill and brave showing, and took the time to share with the listening journalists about his journey so far. He took some questions which he answered in generous fashion, and followed this with a few one on one interviews.

It had been a long but worthwhile day. Whilst walking outside Floyd was seen by some of the fans who had attended the show. He stayed on to sign autographs and took photos for a full and fun thirty minutes. Afterwards he gave positive acknowledgment to his staff and boxers then eventually left in his waiting SUV.

I may not be part of The Money Team, but I'm good with The Money Team. I’ve definitely made some new friends. It reminded me of what my mother and many mothers around my neighbourhood had said many times to us as we grew up – "you choose the right people to hang around – you are your friends". I'm gone for now but I will be back with these wonderful friends here in Las Vegas at The Mayweather Boxing Club.

Floyd Mayweather has been on fire this week. He is peaking at just the right time and looking incredible in the gym.

I've had the pleasure and privilege of watching the last eight weeks of his training camp. I’ve seen first-hand how the number one athlete in sport goes about his business. He's very special indeed. Watching him at such close quarters has made me push even harder in my own workouts, and it has added a few more weapons to my own growing arsenal.

On Monday, I got news that Mickey Bey, who I'd been sparring for two weeks, would not now be part of the Floyd Mayweather v Robert Guerrero show. I took a chance and asked Floyd if I could take his place, as I'm fit and ready to go. Floyd said yes, and got the CEO of Mayweather Promotions, Leonard Ellerbe on the case.

Jose Hernandez was fighting Mickey Bey at 135lbs. I asked for 140lbs, but Jose was unwilling to fight me above 138lbs. So unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be, but just getting the approval from Floyd himself, that I could be part of the biggest boxing show in the world means a huge amount to me. I've been sparring with everyone and anyone around my weight division in the gym, and I've more than held my own. I've also been running up the mountains with 'The Money Team' fighters, and through the weeks I've ran with the man himself, Floyd Mayweather. Everyone knows I'm a very hard worker.

'The Money Team' has made me feel like one of the gang, which in itself has made my training camp even better than the high hopes I arrived with. On Sunday, Floyd had a BBQ. I was invited along with 'The Money Team', his friends and family. We had a fun time. It's good to take time out after putting in such hard work throughout the week. Floyd even took a moment out to sit the boxers down, and give us some great advice and insights on the business of boxing and what it takes to be a championship fighter. It was an unforgettable experience. I was asked to spar London 2012, US Olympian Errol Spence Jr. by former world champion, Cornelius Boza Edwards on Saturday. I was only too happy to oblige, as I’d witnessed the great sessions Errol had had with Floyd over the last few weeks. Errol has been chief sparring partner to Floyd Mayweather for this camp. Errol and I had some very competitive sparring.

Floyd thinks he will be a world champion one day and I tend to agree. Errol has also worked with two weight world champion Adrien Broner, so you know he is rightly highly regarded in the boxing world. I also sparred 10 rounds with WBO world number 6, 'Showtime' Shawn Porter this week. We took 30 seconds rest in 30 degree heat.

Nate Jones has been working with me on all aspects of my game and he's happy that it's all coming together nicely. Nate makes up the three man coaching team of Floyd Mayweather, along with Floyd Senior and Roger Mayweather. I'm in very good and capable hands! Nate said to me this week "you’ll owe me a million dollars soon with all the ingredients I’m adding into you."

Week in week out, I’ve sparred the best that Mayweather Boxing Club has to offer. Fighters from all over the world; all established and respected. Over the eight weeks I've sparred Vernon Paris, Shawn Porter, Cestino Caberllo, Dangerous Don Moore, Semajay Thomas, Mickey Bey and now Errol Spence Jr.

You just can't get this calibre of fighters at any gym in Great Britain. I thrive and shine against the best quality fighters, as everyone at Mayweather Boxing Club has witnessed with their own eyes. This has been one of the hardest training camps I've had in my ten year professional career, but it has been one that I've learnt so much from. I've also had fun and met some great people who I can now call my friends. As Floyd said "It’s not only about being a hard working fighter, you have to be a smart fighter."

I am in great shape and I am ready to fight on Miranda Carter's Left Jab Promotions show on Saturday 18th May, at the Civic Hall in Essex. It will be my 40th fight, and it will mark my 10 years in professional boxing. It will be a night of celebration, and I will be in majestic form.

It's been yet another great week in Las Vegas. I have to say it feels like I'm starring in a movie, but it's my life right now. I'm loving and enjoying every single minute and making the very most of my time here. It’s a shame it has to come to an end far too soon.

This is my seventh week in Las Vegas and I started it off with a bang. The Money Team's Mickey Bey and I continued our highly intensive sparring. I'm loving these tough five minute rounds with only 30 seconds rest. Eddie Mustafa Muhammad said to me after my sparring session with Mickey, "you can’t get this kind of sparring in the UK." I tend to agree!

Floyd Senior told me "No one in the gym at Mickey’s weight can give him that good work." Two of the best trainers in the world, appreciating my talent. What more can I say!

Eddie, who also trains world champions Ishe Smith and Chad Dawson, took 10 of us, including The Money team’s J'Leon Love, Badou Jack and Luis Cuba Arias to Mount Charleston, for a 9km morning run on Tuesday and Saturday morning.

We started at 5000 feet rising to 9000 feet above sea level. It was snowing and cold up there on Tuesday. Tough conditions build tough fighters. It was a 50 minute battle, but we fought through it. It was hard but rewarding work.

Nothing worthwhile comes easy in life. You have to put that work in. WBC world champion, Chad Dawson also came with us, as he is defending his title against Adonis Stevenson in June. Training with and amongst the world’s best has been a great experience, and one that I feel comfortable with. Wednesday was Media Day at the gym for all The Money team fighters and Floyd himself. The gym was packed with reporters from all over North America. I had a few interviews with some reporters who were interested in what my current and future plans are.

Floyd Mayweather spoke to the journalists, and then went to work; hitting the mitts with Roger Mayweather, followed by the body bag with Nate Jones. He pounded the heavy bag and then went straight on the speed ball. This was followed by strength conditioning exercises and skipping, which finished his workout.

The Media Day was closed off by Floyd doing some television interviews. Floyd is truly a rock star. Seeing how he is and how he treats his people, I know he deserves every bit of the success that he has achieved. He never forgets to mention Leonard Ellerbe and Al Haymon when praising his team. They have played a big part in his success. Any successful business has a great team working together behind the scenes.

Floyd Mayweather is the number one sportsman in the world. His only endorsement is The Money Team. He endorses himself. Big companies and brands have tried to tie him down to a variety of different partnerships, but if you want the number one sportsman in the world "you have to pay." I headed down to the D on Freemont Street to watch an outside boxing tournament after The Media Day. I had met boxing legend Roy Jones Junior and two time world champion Jean Pascal the week before at the Mayweather Boxing Club. I spent the evening watching the boxing with them on their table, which was a great honour and something I would never imagined happening 15 years ago, when I idolized Roy Jones as a teenager. I also met UFC president, Dana White, who was a really nice guy. He generously thanked me for my support.

After nine weeks training in Las Vegas I’m happy that I'll be making an appearance on Miranda Carter's Left Jab promotion on Saturday 18th May at the Civic Centre in Essex. It will be my 40th fight over a 10 year career which has seen me beat world number 3 Delvin Rodriguez, former world champion DeMarcus Corley and drop a split decision to current world champion, Danny Garcia. I’ve been ranked world number four and I've won four championship titles. There's so much more to come, as everyone in attendance at the Mayweather Boxing Club has witnessed.

I'm now six weeks into my nine week training camp in Las Vegas. Every week is better. Every week is harder. Every week I'm learning.

I sparred the Money team’s Mickey Bey on Monday and Wednesday. Mickey will be in one of the preliminary bouts before Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather's fight against Robert 'The Ghost' Guerrero on May 4th at the MGM Hotel and Casino, here in Las Vegas.

We battled it out through five minute full action rounds. It was great work. Floyd Mayweather Senior is Mickey’s coach, so he was barking orders at his fighter whilst Nate Jones was doing his job with me. Every sparring session is extremely competitive. You can only learn from each of these sessions. Every day, my aim is to be better than the day before.

Two weight world champion Celestino Caballero, fights this Saturday in a WBC Silver championship. It was a pleasure to spar with him exclusively over three weeks. He thanked me for helping him, and said he’d bring back the 'W' mainly due to the hard sparring I gave him. He hopes we’ll continue sparring in the future. I really hope so too!

Some of my sparring sessions at the Mayweather Boxing Club have been 'finger licking good'. I have won the respect of the fighters and the trainers at the gym. That means a lot to me, as I continue walking that path I visioned for myself as a five year old kid. Nobody said it would be easy, but believe me, it sure is worth it.

On Tuesday, two time world champion Jean Pascal and boxing legend, Roy Jones Junior came by the gym to watch Floyd’s workout. I spoke with Jean and told him I knew he would become a world champion when I saw him in the Commonwealth Games years ago in Manchester. He thanked me and said that they tried to rob him against the local English fighter. He was obviously too good, as he came away with the gold medal. Floyd gave me a lift home in his white Ferrari, which was very kind of him. The media like to portray a negative side to him, but he is a kind, generous and giving person, who employs many of his family and friends.

As Luis Arias, one of his fighters said on his showtime interview I watched being filmed in the gym, "Floyd changes many people’s lives every day". Floyd does many kind acts that never get mentioned by the media, but people around him or those who have come into contact with him get to witness it. On Wednesday, Showtime’s 'All Access' which follows both fighters through their training and personal life leading up to the fight, premiered. It was very entertaining! I watched it at the Mayweather Boxing Club with the rest of the guys.

Larry King was at the gym on Thursday, and he interviewed Floyd for a TV special. Floyd came across really well. The interview was authentic, enlightening and funny. I like Floyd's positive view on life. He likes to focus on the positive, just like myself. It was a pleasure to watch the filming of it with the Money team and Floyd’s friends and family.

Nate Jones trains Floyd Mayweather along with Roger Mayweather, and was on the same Olympic team as Floyd back in 1996. He told me a story about Floyd during the week. Floyd told all his Olympic team mates back in 1996 that he would go on to be an all-time great, and be undefeated as a professional boxer. Floyd believed in himself even back then, and he has made his dreams a reality. I firmly believe that any successful person should try to give back, and inspire the next generation coming up behind them. Everybody needs a positive role model.

One day, I want to look back and know that I helped some people on the way up, achieve their dreams. Floyd Mayweather did that brilliantly with Ishe Smith. He believed in him and went out of his way to get him a world title shot. The rest is boxing history!

If being successful was easy, everyone would be. It takes hard work, dedication, perseverance, resilience and you have to believe in yourself, especially when no one else does. We all have dreams of becoming the person we wish to be, but it’s tough, and without putting in the required work, we will never get there.

I've learned that constantly fuelling hope is a lot harder than allowing despondency to take over, but it’s so much more fulfilling.

Check out more photos on the Hustle Boss website here

Photos courtesy of Chris Robinson

My father always told me not to follow anyone, but to walk my own path in life. This long lasting and rock solid advice has seen me fight in five countries, picking up four championship titles and stacking up 33 wins. This year is my tenth anniversary as a professional boxer, and what a way to start the year. I’m staying 2 months at the unique Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.

Working with Nate Jones has been a great and special learning experience. He is one of the best trainers in the world. Floyd doesn’t work with him because he is ‘pretty’, despite the fact that he always shouts out around the gym just how pretty he is, and how ugly we all are. Roger Mayweather and Nate Jones make up the unbeatable partnership that has helped Floyd stack up 43 wins and no defeats over seventeen years.

I believe Floyd can get to 50-0 and then retire, beating Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 record. The great fighter that Floyd is, he never looks beyond his next fight. “One fight at a time” he told me during our road work around Las Vegas. Floyd’s recent documentary “30 Days in May” aired on Showtime here in the US, on Wednesday night at 10pm. It was a behind the scenes look at his life; interviews with his family and friends, whilst following Floyd around the United States.

For those of us privileged to see him ‘up close and personal’, he is a truly inspiring athlete and individual. He dreamt that he would be living the life he is living today. He has always been ambitious and hungry, coupled with hard work and dedication he has become the best fighter on the planet.

I’ve been sparring some of the best fighters in the world at the Mayweather Boxing Club, and just like my years at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, New York, I really come alive and thrive when in the ring with the world’s best. Two weight world champion Celestino, has been sparring with me exclusively for the last three weeks. He “loves the work” we do in the ring. We are pushing each other hard and learning loads from each other.

On April 20th he fights for the first time in 18 months in Panama, and I’m happy and honoured that he has enjoyed trading punches with me. It is some of the hardest sparring I’ve ever done; working through five minute rounds instead of the normal three minutes.

Celestino is a five time world champion; he is a slick and powerful boxer. It is a compliment that a fighter of his calibre sees the talent I have in me, and has no fear about mixing it up and going for it. I feel exactly the same. I also sparred with WBO world number six, Shawn Porter. That was also quality work, and I’m sure we’ll do it again real soon.

Sparring and fighting the world’s best is what I was born to do. Over the past five weeks I have also sparred IBF World number 15, Vernon Paris, former world number 5 amateur, Semajay Thomas and undefeated Dangerous Don Moore, who works with Roger Mayweather. Next week I have the Money team’s own undefeated fighter, Mickey Bey to contend with. As Mike Tyson used to say “come one, come all. I take on all comers”.

My team tried to make a fight with former world number two, David Estrada, on a Sammy Merza Promotion in Illinois for April 26th. I was willing to move up two weight divisions to junior middleweight, which is a huge 14lbs difference to the junior welterweight division I normally campaign at.

The matchmaker said David needed a warm up first. Well I’ve learned to be patient; maybe we’ll get it on in the future. I’m very clear that the result will end the same, with me knocking him out.

David has fought some good fighters; Luis Carlos Abregu, Jesus Soto Karass, Kermit Cintron and Shane Mosley. I’m sure we’d put on a great show.

World champion, Ishe Smith, had a special BBQ over the weekend in Las Vegas for his fans and supporters. I like Ishe a lot! He does a lot of authentic work in the community, and with special attention for the kids. He is truly ‘the people’s champ’, and I’m proud to have him as a friend.

Afterwards some of us from the Mayweather Boxing Club went for a night of bowling. I’m not used to losing at anything I put my mind to, but on this occasion, I came in last which was very amusing to my American friends.

Sticknmove.co.uk flew in to Las Vegas from Peru for the weekend to get an exclusive interview with me at the Mayweather Boxing Club. As a gesture of thanks, I managed to get them interviews with the world number 6, Shawn Porter and the Money team’s Badou Jack, Ishe Smith, Mickey Bey and Lanell Bellows. We all give, and consequently, we all get. I love it here.

Walking your own path in life and leaving a fresh trail is always harder than following a well-trodden path. The joy of having a dream and then being brave enough to accomplish your very own mission is something different, inspiring and truly satisfying.

I came from the most humble of origins, and found myself dabbling in unlawful activities. I followed the wrong path and paid the price. However, I’m now doing what I always wanted to do as a kid. My hard work and focus proves that no matter where you are from, and whatever obstacles you may face, you can achieve your dreams.

I’m from a troubled and deprived area in West London, but I’m rubbing shoulders with the number one athlete in global sport. Life is more than good!

Anything is possible in life, if you’re brave enough to dream, and strong enough to recover from any setback. I am the true and humble symbol of that.

 

Welterweight boxer Ashley Theophane has won a host of national and international titles during his 10 year professional career to date. And, as the current GBC champion tells ANDY GREEVES, he sees no reason his beloved Tottenham Hotspur can’t put up a title fight of their own in the near future.

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I’m into week four of my current stint in Las Vegas and it has definitely been a life changing experience. I’m working with Floyd Mayweather’s trainer, Nate Jones, and I’m adding some new approaches to my arsenal every day.

I had a testing but great start to the week, sparring five time world champion, Celestino Caballero, on Monday afternoon. We completed 4 x 5 minute rounds with only 30 seconds rest in between, in sweltering 30 degree heat. It was no joke, but exhilarating all the same.

After watching Floyd’s sparring session; Floyd, Leonard Ellerbe, Lanell Bellows and I went out for a run around Vegas. Running with the pound for pound king, the sports number one fighter is a hell of an amazing feeling. How many fighters can say they’ve done that?

The Mayweather Boxing Club is a hotbed of competitiveness that attracts some of the world’s best fighters, including world title challengers Sebastian Lujan and Mike Jones, world champion, Ishe Smith and world rated fighters J’Leon Love and Badou Jack. They are all currently present in the gym, assisting in creating a uniquely challenging and special environment. It also attracts some of the world’s best trainers; Nate Jones, Floyd Senior, Roger and Jeff Mayweather. The atmosphere is one made for winners, and everyone is pushing hard!

Leonard Ellerbe told me the other day that I am “watching history in the making.” I tend to agree! That’s what makes this training camp so rare and worthwhile.

I’m definitely not here for a vacation; I’m up early in the morning for a run around Vegas or a strength conditioning session at the 24 hour fitness complex. I’m then off to the Mayweather Boxing Club in the early afternoon for another ‘full on’ shift.

Sometimes I’m here from 1pm to 8pm these are long, tiring but instructive days. I work out hard, then sit, study and focus on Floyd’s training session. I’m constantly learning from the absolute best – what could be better? I’ve trained in some of the best gyms across America, and they are all intense and huge learning experiences. They are simply the most combative gyms in the world. You are forced to bring your ‘A’ game otherwise you’ll get quickly trampled and side-lined. I’ve sparred with 11 world champions, and countless world rated fighters. I think all fighters should want to test their ability to the limit, and see what they can really achieve.

If you always stay within your comfort zone, you will probably remain limited and constrained. Set no limit on yourself and your ability, by backing yourself you will quickly find that the possibilities are endless. My career clearly demonstrates that.

With no promotional backing, I’ve still managed to achieve more than most of my fellow British fighters who turned professional at the same time as me, despite the fact that they had a promoter backing them.

As a five year old kid, I grew up watching boxing with my father. I was inspired by some great and brave British fighters; like Kirkland Laing, Lloyd Honeyghan and Nigel Benn who all came over to the States and bashed up the best of the Yanks and those who fought here. Kirkland beat the great Roberto Duran when he was at his most fearsome, in a stunning upset, here in the States.

I’ve worked consistently hard to achieve what I have, and have had to make many sacrifices. Absolutely anyone can achieve their goals, but most fear failure more than they embrace the desire to win. There is no risk-free approach to success, and if you haven’t tasted failure, then you are probably just not trying hard enough. It’s never ever about not failing, but much more about how you recover from failure. You have to buy a ticket in order to win the lottery.

On Tuesday I was offered a fight with Juan Manual Marquez victim, WBO European junior welterweight champion, Serhiy Fedchenko, in Ukraine. Unfortunately it was just too short notice, but it would be a fight that I am so much up for down the line. My team have tried to make a fight with Ty Barnett for June 1st, but his people appear to be less than interested in fighting me at 140lbs.

I’m currently working and preparing for my next fight, and after 2 months in Las Vegas at the Mayweather Boxing Club, I’ll be bursting to unleash all I’ve learned for my 40th fight and 34th win.

There’s a lot going on at the moment; my long term partnership with Wellman Vitabiotics has brought mutual and tangible success. They have a great range of sports supplements, and if you are reading Esquire or GQ magazine you may see yours truly featured in their (obviously) compelling marketing drive.

I’m also in the April edition of the Tottenham FC magazine, ‘Hotspurs’, it can be bought at all good retail stores. I’m a very proud Spurs fan, and I had the undeniable pleasure of being interviewed by the house magazine. We are currently third in the English Premier League and I’d love to finish this season above our London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

Whilst extremely working hard here in Vegas, it helps that Spurs are playing such attractive football, and at last showing the belief of true winners. Come on you Spurs!

I’ve now been in Las Vegas for three stimulating and instructive weeks. I’m enjoying the first class training and some great sparring sessions at the Mayweather Boxing Club.

I kicked off the week by sparring with world number 15 Vernon Paris, this was followed by then sharing 13 rounds of sparring over two days with two weight, five time world champion, Celestino Caballero.

Floyd Mayweather normally spars for an awe-inspiring five minutes or longer at a time. Celestino wanted us to do that on one occasion. We completed multiple five minute and six minute rounds of sparring.

That is truly deep end stuff. Sink or Swim! Thanks to my great conditioning I swam hard, but it was really tough. No champion athlete settles for easy training. That is what separates the best from the rest. I’m learning from some great champions, who are the quite simply the best.

Celestino Caballero is the 11th world champion that I’ve shared a ring with through sparring; Joan Guzman, Argenis Mendez, Yuri Foreman, Paul Malignaggi, Elio Rojas, Joseph Agbeko and Ricky Burns are some of the others.

I’ve completed 24 hours training this week. 12 of which was at the Mayweather Boxing Club, the other 12 hours was spent on the roads of Las Vegas and at the 24 hour fitness complex.

My biggest fights and best performances have all been in the States. I’ve beaten former world champion, DeMarcus Corley and two time world title challenger, Delvin Rodriguez. I also dropped a close split decision to current world champion, Danny Garcia. I’m now looking forward to my next fight in the States, especially after such intensive sparring here. The old dog still has much life in him yet.

Ishe Smith had a victory party over the weekend to celebrate winning the IBF junior middleweight world title. He is also the first Nevada native to win a world title. He’s a great inspiration to many fighters, to keep pushing towards your goal even when times are tough. He is a very positive role model!

The Money Team and Mayweather Promotion fighters are all a good bunch of guys. I really love my time here in Las Vegas. Watching Floyd train in person can only add to your game. He’s the number one boxer in the sport, and there is a clear reason for it. US Olympian, Errol Spence Junior, has been giving Floyd some good sparring sessions this week.

May 4th is ‘May Day’! I expect Floyd Mayweather to finish the night 44-0 when he is victorious against Robert Guerrero.

This has been another great week at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas. I continued my work with Floyd’s assistant trainer Nate Jones and I also worked with Roger Mayweather.

CBS – Showtime who Floyd has just signed a six fight deal, started filming him for the build-up to his fight with Robert ‘The Ghost’ Guerrero. Some of these were private sessions where only The Money Team or sparring partners of Floyd could watch. I had the privilege of being able to stay and watch Floyd go through his training regime. It is always instructive and inspiring!

This week I had the pleasure of accompanying Floyd on his evening road running sessions. Being side by side with greatness is something that can only fuel you to achieve your goals.

Floyd invited me to the Alicia Keys concert at the Mandalay Bay hotel resort and casino with The Money Team on Friday. I had a great night out with them. They have made me feel continuously welcome and very much at home.

Vegas is the place to be! Adrien Broner is due to fight world champion, Paul Malignaggi, in June and is considering basing himself in Las Vegas. Paulie has come a very long way since we first sparred in 2005.

I sparred with the talented Semajay Thomas again this week. It was his final week of sparring before his professional debut. He was a successful amateur being ranked US number one and world number five at the highest points of his amateur career.

He has already sparred two weight world champions Devon Alexander and Adrien Broner. As long as he stays focused and keeps working hard, I expect him to be a world champion. Remember where you heard it first.

I also traded punches with world rated Vernon Paris in sparring, which was decent work. Next week I’m due to spar two weight world champion Cellestino Caballero. He is a great fighter and I’m looking forward to it.

There is NO let up here, and everything is competitive and hard edged. No quarter is ever asked for and absolutely no quarter is ever given without a fight.

 

 

After my really exciting and instructive visit last year, I’m back at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas and it really feels great to be here again.

There is a strong sense of competitiveness in the air, but somehow it still feels like a family environment. Everyone wants to be a champion and the best they can be, but at the same time, everyone is friendly and supportive of each other. It reminds me a lot of Gleason’s Gym in New York.

I’m continuing to work with Floyd Mayweather’s assistant coach, Nate Jones, and it has been top quality work. He’s been teaching me stuff and I’ve been enjoying it. You can never stop learning in life and in boxing.

I normally start my day with an hour’s run on the Las Vegas streets, or a two hour cardiovascular, strength and core conditioning session at the 24 hour fitness gym.

I tend to get to Mayweather’s Boxing club for 1pm, and finish by 4pm. Then the main event starts; watching one of the greatest fighters of all time, Floyd Mayweather Junior.

I work very hard all the time, but what Floyd does is completely on another level. Since my last training camp in Las Vegas I have added to my game from watching Floyd and this time will be no different.

I love how Floyd says “I’m an old man” but still shows amazing speed, power and conditioning. Watching Floyd spar, work out and train is like taking part in a living master class. When he’s on the pads and bags, he works intensely on his speed and power, but still has the time to show us onlookers how you are supposed to punch correctly. Pure class!

I sparred with Semajay Thomas, who was US Amateur champion in 2009 and 2011, ranked number one in America and number five in the world as an amateur. I didn’t know who he was before we sparred, but we work with the same trainer, Nate Jones, so I had seen him at close quarters working on the bags and pads. I always want to spar and fight with the best available, so I was more than happy to trade punches with him when asked.

At 20 years old he has a big future ahead of him and he could possibly be a world champion, if he stays dedicated and continues to work hard. We completed 5 rounds sparring with just 30 seconds rest in the 30 degrees centigrade Vegas heat. We will continue to work together next week, as he is making his professional debut in two weeks.

As a 5 year old kid watching the likes of Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler, I fell in love with the sport and dreamed of training and fighting in the States. It has been a long and hard road to get to where I am today, but by inspiring others, just like I was once inspired, makes my hard work, dedication and resilience all worthwhile.

Another really important reason for being out here is that it keeps me in touch with the US boxing scene. I’ve been approached this week about possible championship fights in the Philippines and in America.

Las Vegas is currently the boxing capital of the US. I’m feeling and loving the buzz of the place. It’s fabulous to be here in the mix. That’s one week down and three more to go. Mayweather’s Boxing Club is a great gym and it’s impossible not to enjoy every minute of it, and not forgetting that I’m in the presence of greatness.

Check out more photos on the Hustle Boss website here

Photos courtesy of Chris Robinson

2012 has been a fantastic year overall. I started the year as British champion, and ended it with the GBC championship belt around my waist.

I had an excellent two month training camp in America, which saw me training at Gleason’s Gym in New York City and Mayweather’s Gym in Las Vegas. It was amazing to watch Floyd Mayweather in his preparation for his bout with Miguel Cotto. I was even offered a slot on the show in Las Vegas.

In the space of few weeks in May, I was offered an IBF world title eliminator against Josesito Lopez and a 100,000 dollar fight with current WBA and IBO world champion, Khabib Allakhverdiev in Russia. Unfortunately I had obligations as British champion so I couldn’t take the offers as I would have been stripped of the title.

I fought in North Carolina in America on August 24th, where President Obama had the Democratic convention a week later. It was great to be back fighting in the States, as the last time I had fought there was when I beat two time world title challenger Delvin Rodriguez.

Straight after the fight I flew from North Carolina to Glasgow, to assist two time world WBO (World Boxing Organisation) champion Ricky Burns, prepare for his world title fight with Kevin Mitchell. Ricky won by a knock out. His team are in talks for a 2013 fight with fellow lightweight world champion Adrien Broner. I hope it happens as I’ll be flying with Team Burns as they prepare to shock the world.

I finished off my year with a victory in Luxembourg. Recapturing the GBC (Global Boxing Council) welterweight title I won six years ago.

I finished 2012 with a record of 33 wins, 1 draw and 5 losses. My career target is 50 wins, and to add as many titles/championships as possible. I am well into my journey and on target to achieve my endeavour.

I have been training at All Stars Boxing club since 1988 and it was a pleasure to see the founder Mr Isola Akay walk with the Olympic torch through Notting Hill Gate in London for the build-up to the Olympic Games. He was awarded an MBE ten years ago for his services to the community. He has inspired me on my own quest to be awarded an MBE from the Monarchy, one day be it for services to sport, charity and the community.

Throughout the summer I worked on BoxNation television as a pundit with the best in the business; Steve Bunce, Steve Lillis, Ronnie McIntosh and Jim Rosenthal. It was a great experience and I’m looking forward to doing more of that in 2013.

My role as ambassador for Ted Baker, HIGH5 and NRG Fuel blossomed this year, and the Wellman advertising campaign which I featured in was in well over 100 leading magazines and newspapers from June to December. The media campaign in 2013 will be even more fantastic. I will also be featuring on Colorblind greeting cards for their 2013 collection, which can be bought in Hallmark and Clinton Cards.

I’m so looking forward to 2013 as it looks like being a fabulous year on all fronts.

I’m lucky to be part of a phenomenal team. I would like to thank René, Penny, Jackie, Jakub and Dominic for all their great work and also my coaching team Dave Brown, Harry Keitt and Jihad Abdul-Aziz. I cannot thank you all enough, but your work is always appreciated. I wish all of you a successful and prosperous 2013. Our world is changing yet again and things can only get better.

 

 

Barack Obama was re-elected in what was a nail-biting campaign for all involved.

Obama was seriously helped back in by his loyal support from women and people of colour; Hispanics, Asians and Blacks who kept him in the White House.

When examining the demographics, the Republicans as a party need to change some of their stark and unyielding policies to attract the pivotal minority voters.

It's always about the economy in US elections, but it's worth noting that the United Kingdom's economy grew by 0.6 per cent during the Conservatives reign, and in that time the US economy has grown by 3%. The Tories are currently giving tax breaks to the rich, but Obama wants to (rightly) tax the rich a little more.

The President inherited an America in serious decline, and he has to some extent 'steadied the ship'. Many people seem to forget that George Bush left him a 'chronic mess' from his time in office. In his initial term, he has had two wars to deal with, and an economy in recession. He has also managed to lift the near abysmal reputation of America in the rest of the world.

Around the world, the majority of people and national leaders wanted Obama to win a second term. At times it looked like Mitt Romney was going to pip him to the post, and many outside the US shuddered at the prospect.

Obama sold "hope and change" to the American electorate in 2008, which was relatively easy to do after the 'strong headed' George W. Bush. Like many, I felt an elected Mitt Romney might well have seen a return to the dark days of Bush, which not many inside and outside the US wanted to see. Obama clearly had the youth vote, and Romney appeared to corner the 'golden oldies'.

59% of white people voted for Romney, whilst only 39% voted for Obama. 93% of blacks, 71% of Hispanics and 73% of Asians wanted Obama to stay in the White House. This is an unhealthy racial divide, and the Republicans need to re-think their hard line policies on immigration, if they are to have any chance of attracting the minority vote in the future.

The Conservative party in Britain appear to share many policies with the Republicans, and they might just experience similar challenges in trying to win the next election in Britain. David Cameron often says "we are in this together", but many people feel he is backing the wealthy upper class, rather than middle and working class families.

Prime Minister David Cameron congratulated President Obama on his victory, saying "I think he's a very successful US president, and I look forward to working with him in the future". You'd better hurry up and get on with it David, things are not looking great for you.

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who has had a testing relationship with Barack Obama, said he "would continue to work with the President to preserve the strategic interests of Israeli citizens", probably through slightly gritted teeth.

Obama has always been an inspirational figure to many people, as his rise to become US President, demonstrates that perhaps anything is truly possible if you work hard and believe in yourself. The upstanding First Lady, Michele Obama, has been the strong and increasingly popular woman constantly by his side, who Barack praises all the time. Family means everything to Obama, as he comes from a single parent family, and was raised by his white grandmother. He has often said that (probably more in hope) "we are an American family, and we will rise and fall together".

Obama got through his radical medical reforms despite many previous Presidents, including President Clinton, having tried and failed. Obama has been prepared to stand up bravely for both women's and homosexual rights in the US, which tellingly, the Republicans were dead against.

There were some jaw dropping statements delivered by Republican candidates throughout the race, which perhaps gave an insight into their true colours. None more so than Richard Mourdock's intervention on rape; "I think, even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen." His deeply disturbing comments came two months after those of Missouri Republican, Todd Akin, who said "women's bodies had ways of preventing pregnancy after rape".

These are shocking comments that are just unacceptable in modern day America, and it's high time that the Republicans understood and accepted that. America's thoughts used to positively lead us, not negatively hold us back.

Obama obviously has a huge amount of work to do at home, but his presence is also needed in the rest of the world.

The situation with Iran could easily come to a nasty head in the next four years. Obama has shown himself to be a President who would rather talk than go to war again; so more crippling sanctions could well fall upon Iran. Sanctions tent to hurt the usually innocent civilians, and tend not to trouble the people in power so much. Therefore I'm not sure how much of an effective deterrent that really is, but so far so good.

Syria is crazy and getting worse at the moment, with a leader, President Bashar al Assad, seemingly indifferent to killing his people, with little if any signs of remorse. It is sadly looking and feeling like Bosnia all over again.

Russia has its own problems at home, and to the concern of many, continuously blocks meaningful intervention against Syria. China is just as bad a 'blocker' as Russia is, when it comes to action against Syria, but with a new leader being elected in China, we live in hope. China's stalling but still growing economy is still attracting even more European countries that want to have the Chinese as a trading partner, and therefore are not as vocal as they could be. The Chinese economy is worth 3 trillion pounds, that understandably gets everyone's attention in a global downturn.

Brazil's economy recently overtook the UK; to become the world's sixth largest recently. The world, its demographics and power brokers are changing, and fast.

Obama is respected in most countries around the world, and consequently, I think his second term will probably be more successful. He has a good relationship with most world leaders, and I believe he knows what needs to be done. The US economy is growing slowly, and doing more business with Brazil, China and India will only help it.

Mitt Romney says the Chinese are the enemy. That is not a helpful mind-set. They can and must be partners! The Chinese are investing heavily in Africa and Asia, whilst the west is frozen in the geo-political 'headlights'. America and the Chinese working together could be an instructive way forward, but the US has to find a way of removing its inherent fear of strong powers with different approaches to their chosen model of democracy.

No man is perfect, and Barack Obama can only do so much. He desperately needs the Senate and Congress to work together to make that necessary magic happen. He will be tested most in this arena, and a bi-partisan approach, whilst being difficult, has become a necessity.

The next four years will be very interesting, directional and constantly newsworthy. I'm now very optimistic for the Americans, if they can turn things around at home, we will all benefit!

Viva Obama

"You must do the things you think you cannot do" - Eleanor Roosevelt

Mitt Romney showed more signs of being incompetent with yet another gaffe, when he brazenly criticized many Democrats who he needs to somehow win over. His campaign has slowly turned into a calamitous affair, as Obama appears to be the man that the majority of Americans may well vote for.

Mitt Romney branded 47% of American voters 'welfare spongers' in a private dinner for some of his many wealthy donors. The event was discreetly filmed and shown widely, there are no hiding places from 'foot in mouth' moments any more. After being exposed, he faced a heavy backlash he said at his next conference appearance that he would "represent 100% of Americans if voted into power". Yeah right! I wonder why the change of heart?

"There are 47% of the people who will vote for the President no matter what. All right, there are 47% who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to healthcare, to food, to housing, to you-name-it."

Forgive my cynicism, but my guess is that those are not the words of a man aiming to represent 100% of Americans any time soon. He is an obviously 'out of touch' billionaire who lives a very different life to those of America's everyday people. His gaffes are so reminiscent of George W. Bush; and we all know how much of a calamity he was in office.

I truly hope the Americans voters let Obama continue what he has started. He came into power when America's economy was the worst it has been since the Great Depression. He had a mammoth and unenviable task, and most sensible observers would admit that four years is nowhere near enough to totally arrest the steep decline he inherited, let alone overturn it.

The economy is now steady, and the next four years is where Obama can become a little more dynamic, and truly stamp his authority by passing the bills he really believes in.

Americans have to realise that George W. Bush took them into two wars, and America cannot simply and rapidly 'bail out' without huge and catastrophic consequences; they have to ease out over time. They just cannot afford to potentially 'win the war' and then 'lose the peace' - yet again.

Trillions of dollars have been spent on the wars, and George W. Bush was the smiling and willing 'cowboy' in charge; who seemed to relish conflict and bloodshed. My guess is Obama appears sensibly less 'gung ho', and more instinctively inclined to want to talk and do things a lot more peacefully prior to resorting to inherently risky and protracted military options.

Israel and the Middle East will always be the very 'sticky', if not unsolvable foreign policy issue for a US President's first term. In many people's view, Mitt Romney has 'dutifully and gutlessly' followed Bush in deciding that whatever Israel does is 'right', and appears to back them unconditionally at every turn. Sure Israel has a right to exist, and also to defend itself from attack, but America and Europe must be seen to be 'even handed', otherwise the conflict will only be further fuelled. There is no room for bias.

I have Muslim and Jewish friends both here in London and New York; so I hear and respect each side's points of view. Most agree that the solution must be to "live side by side in peace, and respect their differences". This must be the collective focus of the governments of the world, ideally through the United Nations.

Obama has just about handled the situation so far, but he really does need to be more demanding of both sides in order to reach an amicable solution. He must learn that 'you cannot make an omelette without breaking some eggs'. A second term will enable him to be a little more muscular.

The Presidential debates are where I expected Obama to increase his lead over Romney; as he is without doubt, one of the best speakers I have heard anywhere for a very long time. After a subdued and lacklustre showing in the initial debate, Obama was back to his best and much more aggressive in the last two debates, and in my humble opinion, showed Mitt Romney that he has a way to go before he can compete with him on the world stage.

With only a couple of weeks to go, there is very little in the title race, and it all depends on which way the swing States actually swing.

It's hard to believe that an Obama victory will not be great (and right) for the world and America, as he will then be able to finish what he has started. Bush Jnr left the world in turmoil. However, voter’s memories always appear to be very short, and fixated on the economy.

The world has become a more stable place, and the US economy is at long last improving. Slowly, but still improving all the same.

Obama made a memorable statement to Romney during their last debate; "the 1980s are asking for their policies back. When it comes to our foreign policy you seem to want the policies of the 1980s, just like you want to import the social policies of the 1950s and the economic policies of the 1950s."

I fear if the Republicans are returned to power, we might well experience some terrible policies that will no doubt slow down the American economy, and consequently the world economy. We must also expect and fear even more conflict, and a return to America's isolation, much like in the time of Bush Jnr.

On November 6th the world will hold its breath, as the most important US election in recent times will be in its vital last round and the verdict will be announced.

Viva Barack Obama.

My second and unfortunately, last week at The Mayweather Gym in Las Vegas was truly amazing. Over the last two weeks I have pushed my body through fifty hours of gym and road work. It has been both punishing and exciting! I go to bed each night fired up and looking forward to the next day.

I arrive at the Mayweather gym at around 1pm, complete my workout then watch Floyd do his thing. I just can’t tear myself away, and I end up leaving there after 7pm. They were long days, but worth every minute as I allowed the knowledge to really soak in.

Watching Floyd Mayweather train is inspirational and motivational. I learnt so much just by watching him workout, he is very special and I will implement everything I learned and observed into my game.

On Monday there was a ‘who’s who’ gathered at his boxing gym. World champion, Yuriorkis Gamboa, was working out as I started my own workout.

I sparred with five fighters over the course of three days in the gym. One of the coaches at the gym said that ‘normally British fighters get bashed up in sparring here’, but I represented. I travel well as my record shows with wins in Saint Lucia, America and Germany.

Former world champions, Hasim Rahman, Zab Judah and Eddie Mustafa Muhammad all came to watch Floyd Mayweather spar. 50 Cent was in the building all week, supporting his friend.

Floyd dismantled Omar Henry, who was way out of his league. Then Floyd finished up with another stocky middleweight, Bastie Samir. Floyd sparred for around thirty minutes just stopping for sips off fluid every five minutes. He was sharp, fluent and commanding – a master class.

Watching Floyd train you could see the desire and hunger in his eyes. He pushed himself hard, with his team shouting ‘hard work and dedication’ as he dug deep.

Floyd’s training sessions were like a ‘friends and family’ get together. Around fifty people watched him train while music was pumping. The gym has a special aura about it on days that Floyd trains.

Bastie Samir, a strong middleweight earned his sparring partner wages on Tuesday. He stood ‘toe to toe’ with the pound for pound king. Watching up close, I knew that Floyd would make Bastie do more rounds as he wanted to break him down. There were times I thought Mayweather might knock him out, but Samir showed he has a great chin. Floyd has six sparring partners and chooses who he is going to spar when he arrives at the gym.

It is extremely tough and demanding work, but they are well looked after and it’s the best boxing learning available.

In the locker rooms on Wednesday, Floyd was saying that he fights at whatever weight he walks around at. He refuses to drain his body to make a particular weight. Floyd Mayweather is always in fantastic shape and never really goes much above 150lbs. He is a good example of how professional fighters should be. There are obvious reasons for all to see why he is one of the greatest fighters to ever walk the planet.

His uncle and trainer, Roger Mayweather thinks he is second only to the great Sugar Ray Robinson. Watching Floyd work it is clear to me that he is an all-time great, and can only be compared with the very best in history.

Floyd has a great commercial team around him, who deal with the business side of things. That along with his massive talent is why he is so marketable.

Floyd took a day off from sparring, after going three days straight. He started off with some shadow boxing; he then moved on to the pads with Roger Mayweather and followed this with the body bag with Nate Jones. He then went onto the heavy bag, then back into the ring to hit pads and the body bag. He finished up with some strength exercises. To think that his fight is still seven weeks’ away; he is fit enough now to do a twelve round fight, but Floyd is the very best for a reason.

Floyd shouted out whilst he was in the ring with everyone watching him that he liked my Treasure T Shirt. The man has great taste as well.

I took a photo with Floyd after he had finished his training session, and I had a chat with Leonard Elberbe.

All the guys at the Mayweather gym have shown me love. I will definitely be back.

J’Leon Love gave Floyd his best sparring session whilst I was there, and even impressed Roger Mayweather who thought he was the best out of the six sparring partners at the gym for Floyd. J’Leon can box and fight, so he and Floyd had some action packed rounds. Floyd’s accuracy is amazing. He rarely misses a punch, and his defence is a work of art. As he says defence wins fights and I couldn’t agree more.

I spoke to Cornelius Boza Edwards who became a world champion back in the day, when there were some really great fighters about. He fought some legendary fighters including, Alex Arguello, Hector Camacho, Jose Luis Ramirez and Bobby Chacon. He said that he has watched me fight and that “my time will come to win a world title”. That meant a lot coming from a man who did what I am doing, but at a higher level.

Right now I am learning from the best in the business. I get to watch Floyd Mayweather train at close quarters. There is no one better in the game, so being able to watch him at touching distance is just brilliant.

He is the King of the boxing world, and I am the King of the British 140lb Division. Having the opportunity to work with Roger Mayweather and Nate Jones has been a defining experience. He is a great coach and was a world champion in the nineteen eighties.

I have had the honour to watch some great fighters workout in the flesh; Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Joan Guzman and Yuriorkis Gamboa. These great fighters stand out even from the elite fighters. Watching these fighters has helped me add to my own game.

Floyd Mayweather is in a league of his own though.

Michael Jackson’s father Joe Jackson passed by the gym on Wednesday. It was an honour to see him and he still has a swagger about him.

I had a fabulous time training at Floyd’s gym. The ‘Money’ team made me feel very welcome and Britain’s Treasure will be back, as they have left the door open for me.

It is brilliant an inspiring place.

Every once in a while, you just feel you have been privileged to be in the presence of greatness. The last two weeks at The Mayweather Gym in Las Vegas has given me that privilege.

Floyd Mayweather is the biggest name in the world of boxing at the moment, and he is in camp to train for his upcoming mega fight with Miguel Cotto.

Something inside of me said I needed to go to the Mayweather boxing gym in Las Vegas, to watch the master at work and see if I could get some tips to add to my personal arsenal.

Not everyone gets the opportunity to train at this most select of boxing schools. On my first day at the Mayweather gym, I had the opportunity to work with Roger Mayweather, plus I got to watch Floyd spar.

He did five minute rounds with minimal rest. He finished up his sparring session to go and pound the heavy bag; he then immediately jumped back in the ring to hit pads with his trainer and uncle, Roger Mayweather. He then finished up with some abdominal work. Outstanding!

50 Cent was in the building watching his friend workout. I was one of the very few who were allowed to stay and watch the pound for pound king work out. It was an honour to watch him at work. I had a ringside seat; he was entertaining, and every move was educational to watch.

Watching him at close quarters, he oozed confidence and self-belief. These are two things that a champion must have.

After finishing his workout, Floyd was talking with his family and he noticed me. He asked me what weight I was and what was my record? When he heard my London accent, he asked where I was I from.

Floyd said he would spar with me and test my skills.

That was my first day in the Mayweather gym, and I couldn't have asked for a better first day.

I again worked with Roger Mayweather on my second day in the gym. It was an honour to work with him and for him to give up his time was very much appreciated.

To be the best you have to learn from the best, and I've sparred, fought and watched some of the best boxers of my generation.

I completed twenty seven hours training this week. Being in Las Vegas is the last place I would have ever thought to come for training camp, but just like when I'm in New York. It is a gym and home.

Home in Vegas is the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino Hotel.

I have just one more week's training at the Mayweather Gym, and every day that I'm in the gym, I push as hard as possible. Training in the pound for pound king's gym is a real inspiration and motivating in itself.

Many people say that I am very lucky to be living my childhood dream. I have to disagree! I had to make this happen. Luck had nothing to do with it. I have a goal and I work my hardest to make my dream a reality, at all costs.

As the man says, "the harder you work, the luckier you get".

Anything is possible to achieve if you believe and work hard towards making it happen.

I am the perfect example of that!

An exciting and instructive week, topped off by seeing the best fighter in the world at very close quarters. It doesn't get much better than that.

This week has been a very productive and exciting week for me.

Hatton Promotions announced me as their latest signing on Tuesday. I believed with Ricky backing me anything is possible. I have been self managed majority of my career but now with Europe's number one promoter behind me, anything is truly possible. I want to fight the World's best just like Ricky did and I know he can make that happen.

I have also been made an ambassador for Ted Baker this week which is amazing. The Best of British boxing working alongside the best of British clothing.

A new Boxing gym is opening in Queen's Park and I am glad to announce it will be called Treasure's Boxing gym. I have been a member of All Stars boxing club for 23 years so I am proud to follow in my mentor Mr.Akay's foot steps. Mr. Akay opened the All Stars gym in 1974. I joined in 1988. Hopefully the two gym's can work alongside each other and offer the local kids something positive to do while teaching them nutrition, healthly lifestyle living and self discipline through boxing. Tee Jay Akay was British champion when I was at All Stars as a kid and seeing him and Mr.Akay on TV inspired me to want to be there one day. Hopefully I can inspire kids from All Stars and Treasure's boxing gym to follow in my footsteps.

I am a guest judge at Spencer Fearon's Hard Knock promotions ringcard girl competition on Saturday. Over 20 models will compete for a chance to win a contract for Hard Knock's televised shows. Should be an interesting afternoon.

I start training camp in New York on Monday for my British title defence with Nigel Wright. I have sparring lined up with some of the World's best Southpaws so I'm am excited and looking forward to it.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. fights WBC champion Victor Ortiz on Saturday and it is a fight that has fight fans divided all over the World.Some fans give Ortiz a chance of defeating Mayweather. Victor has dropped all 29 opponents that he has beaten which is a great achievement. He has been in the ring with some good fighters. Andre Berto and Lamont Peterson are the two live opponents he has faced and he had trouble dealing with both fighters, washed up champions Vivian Harris and Nate Campbell are good for his record but they had seen better days by the time he got them.

After I beat former World champion Demarcus 'Chop Chop' Corley. I was contacted to see if I was available to fight Ortiz for 13th September 2008. I was only given two weeks notice so wasn't available. It's funny that I have been offered some massive fights but strangely enough they are mostly last minute.

Floyd Mayweather has beaten a who's who of the boxing world. Shane Mosley, Zab Judah and Oscar De la Hoya to mention a few. You either like Floyd or you don't but He is a defencive masterclass and I always enjoy watching him.

Mayweather has been hurt by southpaws in the past and Ortiz is a powerful and aggressive fighter who will stop at nothing to hurt Floyd.

I can see this fight going a similar way to the Arturo Gatti fight where Floyd will pick Ortiz off at will.

I go for a Money Mayweather win within the twelve rounds. He has been here before. He is focused and I feel he will break down Ortiz the longer the fight goes on.

Erik Morales fights Pablo Cesar Cano in the undercard for the WBC title which was taken off Timonthy Bradley. Bradley is now WBC's champion in recess so when he is finished with his litigation he will fight the winner.

Morales looked good against Maidana and maybe he has a couple more fights left in him. I would love to fight him when he disposes of Cano. Cano is young and very highly ranked by the WBC even though he has not beaten anyone of note.

Ajose Olusegun is fighting WBC number six in a World title eliminator at the end of the month so he will also be in line to fight the winner. I think Ajose can beat Morales when and if they fight. It is a shame Ajose is not fighting for the vacant WBC title as he is fighting the number 6 ranked fighter in the WBC and Morales is fighting number 12.

Morales should stopped the untested Cano and become the first Mexican to win World titles at four weight divisions.

Jessie Vargas is also fighting n the televised version of the show. Five hours after Floyd announced that he was fighting Ortiz, GBP got in contact about me fighting Vargas. I'd never heard of him before that so turned it down as I felt it was the same situation as Danny Garcia and an eight rounder did not appeal to me.

I'm climbing up the WBC, IBF and IBO World rankings and I will get a over due and well earned shot at a World title sooner rather than later.

British Champion Anthony Crolla is on the untelevised portion of the Star Power. He has a warm up fight before he defends his title against Willie Limond in November.

Star Power should be an entertaining show. With three fights that are interesting to me. I can see me in fights with Victor Ortiz and Erik Morales in the future but first I have to win the Lonsdale belt outright as I'm proud to be British Champion.