Ashley Reece who currently trains out of Team Monkey MMA Academy in Manchester under Ozzy Haluk, has had a fantastic amateur career going 7-0 which included capturing the FCC amateur lightweight title and successfully defending it on numerous occasions.
This Saturday at FCC 12 at the Bolton Macron Stadium, he makes his much anticipated professional debut taking on Ian 'Willy' Williams (3-1). The man they call 'The Beast' has regularly touched base on how rough of a weight cut he has in the lead up to a fight but this time he says turning professional has made the weight cut easier for him "This weight cut has been the easiest one I've ever done , since I've turned professional I've taken things even more serious than I did my amateur career!"
Last time out, he faced Anthony O'Connor in what was easily fight of the night at FCC 11. Reece struggled early on but battled through to secure a dramatic rear naked choke finish. The sluggish start could be attributed to the tough cut Reece explains "The last fight I was in a horrible situation even before the fight started . I was very sick before the fight with stomach acid problems and lost 2kg vomitting 2 hours before the fight . My coach wanted to pull me out but I had put in all of that time and effort to get to fight night , I just wanted to fight even if i wasn't 100% . Anthony o Connor was a quality opponent and he really put the pressure on me the whole fight!.
It really does speak volumes of his character in the way he battled on and managed to win, especially given that amateur's aren't paid like pro's. It's a symbol that Reece has taken his fight career serious all the way through.
Fast forward to this Saturday and the MMA Monkey fighter realises his opponent Ian Williams has the experience edge with four pro fights but that hasn't fazed him "He does look experienced and I have trained extremely hard for this fight. I hope that come fight night we will be able to both bring the best out of each other" Said Reece.
With regards to the experience that Williams has, some people may see this is a risky fight for the debutant as some UK MMA fighters who turn pro are often are matched with a relatively easy opponent the first time out but not 'The Beast'. This is something he says head coach Ozzy Haluk has installed in him and the rest of the team from day one " My coach has never been a fan of giving us false confidence. If I go and steamroll somebody that isn't a threat then I see it as a waste of time . Alot of the fighters who fight idiots or journeymen usually get found out sooner or later!" If that line doesn't give you an idea of Reece's attitude and character then nothing will.
When quizzed on the prospect of winning the promotions professional lightweight title (previously held by Brendan Loughnane but now vacant) Reece stays grounded and focused on Saturday by stating "I'm just looking to beat as many people as possible , if I have earned a title shot with my wins then ill take it with both hands but until then I am 100% focused on Ian Williams". Grounded indeed, but if Reece continues his war path through the professional ranks you can bet your house he will be capturing that belt in the not too distant future.
"I want to have a better professional career than I did as an an amateur. I'm looking to win as many titles as possible and stay undefeated!" Adds Reece.
His message to everybody for Saturday is simple. "Look for me to be better than I ever have been and for every second I'm in that cage I'm going for the finish. I'm a massive fan of bonuses so ill be gunning for one of them too"
Reece is hungry for the contest at FCC 12 in what should be an enthralling battle and if he can reproduce his amazing amateur performances, there's every chance he becomes one of the top UK lightweights in the coming years.
Catch him against Ian Williams at FCC 12 this Saturday at the Bolton Macron Stadium. You would be crazy to miss this debut.
Ashley would like to thank the following in the lead up to this fight:
" Id like to thank my Head coach Ozzy Haluk who has been coaching me since the beginning, were still gaining momentum everyday. Id like to thank my girlfriend for putting up with me over the years , she has made alot of sacrifices so I can achieve my goals . Id like to thank my family for continually supporting me"
I thank All of the guys I train with at team monkey : Khalid,pav,javonne,junior , Sheldon, Andreas,Sean, Connor ,Paul , Hassan , Sian, hez and all the boys at proper gym
Id like to thank my striking coaches Liam gray , mark van kyte and Eric noi of Oldham boxing club for all the help ,
My strength and conditioning coaches Zoran and Sean for beasting me at 6am when others are sleeping .
finally all.of my sponsors, Guds and Sandra at longlegs , Steve at Almighty Fightwear , Martin at peaceful hooligan and the main man Chris Simon of monkey nutrition ! Hope I haven't forgot anyone and if I have then I'm sorry ....
I also want to dedicate this fight to my cousin amy who has turned extremely ill over the weekend and ill be going go visit her as soon as my fight is over!"
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