Join hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore on the Champion Contender Podcast as they sit down with rising British boxing talent, Sonny “The Instigator” Hardy 🔥 From his roots at Charlton Boxing Club to training with former world title challenger Kevin Mitchell, Sonny shares his journey from amateur standout to professional fighter. He opens up about sparring elite champions like Joe Cordina, his grueling training sessions, and the family dynamics that shaped his fighting spirit 🧬 We also explore: His dreams of title fights in the lightweight division The West Ham connection 🏟️⚒️ The reality of selling tickets as a rising pro Insights into fighting style, rivals, and respect in the sport * A fun round of "Shot Stopper" where Sonny picks who he’d fight, duck, or stop 🧠🎯 Whether you're a fan of UK boxing, looking for under-the-radar prospects, or just love a great story — this episode’s a knockout 👊

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:47 – Introducing Sonny 'The Instigator' Hardy

02:40 – Training Under Kevin Mitchell

04:30 – Transition from Amateur to Professional

06:01 – Father-Son Dynamics in Boxing

09:24 – Influences and Fighting Style

14:45 – Sparring with Joe Cordina

18:54 – Toughest Fights and Future Aspirations

23:23 – The Challenges of Selling Tickets

27:42 – Selling Out the Stadium: A West Ham Dream

28:14 – Loyalty and Rivalries in the West Ham Fanbase

29:36 – The Amateur to Pro Journey

30:31 – Training & Mentorship with Charlie Blake

31:19 – Turning Pro: The Leap of Faith

32:20 – Standing Out in the Lightweight Division

33:58 – Dream Fights & Mutual Respect

35:32 – “Shot Stopper” Game: Who Gets Stopped?

45:22 – Future Plans: Titles and Moving Weight

48:06 – Advice for Young Boxers 💬

50:17 – West Ham x Boxing: The Local Bond

52:05 – Wrap-Up with Sonny Hardy

In this powerful episode, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with the one and only Mark Tibbs — legendary boxing coach and son of the great Jimmy Tibbs. Mark takes us through his incredible journey, from his roots as an amateur boxer to becoming one of the most respected trainers in the game. He opens up about working with elite fighters like Dillian Whyte, Billy Joe Saunders, Johnny Fisher, and Richard Riakporhe, and breaks down what it truly takes to develop a champion. Expect wisdom, behind-the-scenes stories, and an honest look at the challenges of modern boxing. Plus, Mark plays a fun segment evaluating some of the greatest boxing coaches of all time 🧠🔥 💼 This episode is proudly sponsored by Blackburn & Co.

🕰️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast 00:30 – Introducing Boxing Coach Mark Tibbs

00:53 – Mark’s Early Boxing Journey

02:51 – Transition to Professional Boxing

08:24 – Coaching Career & Working with Billy Joe Saunders

10:01 – Lessons from Father Jimmy Tibbs

16:40 – Training Philosophy & Fighter Development

19:38 – Challenges and Rewards of Coaching

22:42 – Training Heavyweights vs. Lightweights

23:33 – Hardest Workers in the Gym

25:30 – Upcoming Talents & Future Prospects

31:08 – Sponsored by Blackburn & Co. 💼

32:32 – Training Techniques & Injury Management

40:09 – Introduction to Tommy Fletcher

40:44 – Training with Billy Joe Saunders

41:20 – Discovering Tommy Fletcher

42:33 – Tommy Fletcher’s Sparring Sessions

45:48 – Richard Riakporhe's Journey

47:49 – Preparing Riakporhe for Big Fights

01:02:07 – Women’s Boxing & Training Ebony Bridges

01:06:19 – Coaching Elle Brooke

01:12:41 – Memorable Fights & Key Insights

01:13:30 – Public Workout & Faith Ordway Fight

01:15:28 – Misfits Boxing & Coaching Challenges

01:21:59 – Coaching King Kenny & Training Camps

01:24:56 – Evaluating Boxing Legends & Coach Rankings

01:38:16 – Faith and Coaching Philosophy

01:40:31 – Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Nicky Forcer Talks Athletics 🏃‍♂️, Grime 🎤, Prison ⛓️, and Redemption ✨ | The Champ & Contender Podcast

Welcome to The Champ & Contender Podcast 🎙️ — your go-to spot for raw, real conversations with inspiring figures from all walks of life. In this episode, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with the multifaceted Nicky Forcer (aka Nicholas Thomas), who shares his powerful story of athletics, grime music, prison time, bodybuilding transformation, and spiritual redemption. From growing up in East London to representing both Great Britain 🇬🇧 and Jamaica 🇯🇲 in triple jump, Nicky opens up about the ups and downs of his journey. He reflects on his time in UK athletics, his rise in the grime scene, the harsh realities of prison life, and how he rebuilt himself through fitness, mental health work, and a strong relationship with God. He’s now using his experiences to mentor young people, offering personal training and guidance rooted in faith and discipline. Whether you're into British athletics, UK rap culture, bodybuilding motivation, or faith-based redemption stories, this episode delivers it all. 💡 Expect laughter, honest truths, and unfiltered gems that will move and motivate you.

📌 Timestamps:

⏱️ 00:00 – Intro to the Champ & Contender Podcast | UK Motivational Podcast 👶

00:50 – Nicky Forcer’s Early Life in East London | Childhood & Community 01:40 – Breaking into UK Athletics | Competing for GB & Jamaica ⚡

03:08 – Mental Toughness in Elite Sport | Overcoming Injury & Setbacks 🎵 13:21 – Grime Music Beginnings | East London’s Underground Scene 🔥 14:27 – Producing Grime Tracks | Cultural Impact & Creative Process 💭 15:33 – Reflections on Grime’s Evolution & Urban Music Culture 🚔

27:52 – Life in Prison | Prison Reform & Criminal Justice in the UK 🧠

30:26 – Mental Health in Prison | Surviving Solitary & Staying Sane 🏋️

30:54 – Working Out Behind Bars | Prison Fitness & Motivation 💪

32:42 – Post-Prison Bodybuilding Transformation | Rebuilding Physically 🥗 33:09 – Diet and Fitness Tips | Nutrition for Muscle Gain 🏋️‍♂️

36:53 – The Truth About Bodybuilding | Steroids, Dedication & Balance 🙏 43:34 – Finding Faith | Christianity, Purpose & Forgiveness ⛪

50:24 – Faith in Daily Life | Discipline, Prayer & Spiritual Growth 🗣️

52:47 – Advice for the Youth | Staying Focused & Avoiding Traps 🎯

54:48 – Future Goals | Mentorship, Coaching & Community Uplift 👋

58:15 – Outro & Where to Follow Nicky Forcer