GEORGE KILLEEN // ACTIVE TAILORING

SUCCESS ISN’T BUILT IN THE SPOTLIGHT, IT’S BUILT IN THE HOURS NO ONE SEES!

You grew up in Blackley in Manchester, what was your upbringing like and how did that environment shape you as a fighter?

My upbringing was great, hardworking parents im an only child they did everything they could to give me a good upbringing with their hard work something I would love to do with my kids, they taught me you have to work hard for nice things in life. But in school you face troubles growing up especially in this area, I got into some troubles at a younger age but I have learnt from it and starting boxing at that time taught me respect and discipline which shaped me into the man I am today.

You first got into boxing at a young age, what initially drew you into the sport?

My dad took me to the gym around 7/8 but I loved football more at that point but when I was 10/11 he got us tickets to watch Anthony Crolla at the men and after that I got into boxing properly and been in the gym every week since.

We’ve heard football was your first love, what made you fully commit to boxing over that?

I used to play football on the same days as training at collyhurst& moston and i couldn’t be at 2 places at once it got to a point where I had to choose one, so I put down the goalkeeper gloves and made a permanent decision to keep the boxing ones on.

Was there a specific moment when you realised boxing could be more than just a hobby?

I always believed that I could box for a job full time one day , even if my belief out weighed my ability at first because I wasn’t the most technically gifted. But at age 16 I pursued a electrical apprenticeship while competing as an amateur, but at 19 I went on a strong run in the championships beating multiple national championships and I thought to give it a go in the pro ranks, I completed my electrical final assessment just after my professional debut so I will have that career for life but as for now things are working out so far.

You’ve trained at Collyhurst and Moston gym for years, what makes that place special to you?

Collyhurst and Moston gym feels like my home and has been for over 10 years I could never see my self anywhere else, I’ve always had a great relationship with my coaches and it’s always been a place that means more than just going to a gym and training.

How would you describe the culture in your gym and the people around you?

The culture in the gym has always been great different backgrounds, different races, different personalities. I like boxing is a sport where non of that matters and you come together as a family and work alongside each other to push the next person on. It can be serious when it’s time to be and we can have a laugh and a joke around the training too.

What’s a typical training camp like for you when you’re preparing for a fight?

My typical training camp is boxing 5 mornings a week, various runs , sprints short or long distances. Strength training also keeping on top of recovery, weekly sport massages off John, eating correctly and getting the required amount of rest.

How important has your relationship with your coach been in your development?

My relationship with my coach has been great with Pat we work together well he is also my manager and promoter until I reach the big stages. I had a great relationship with my amateur coaches Tommy and Calvin, and the natural plan for our gym is when we reach professional level to move to Pat in the mornings.

You turned professional in 2023, how would you sum up your journey so far?

I would sum up my journey so far as successful I’m a harsh critic on my self so their could always be improvement but I’ve had some tough matchmaking with opponents that rarely get stopped but it’s gave me a great chance to learn the game, I’ve seen it as an apprenticeship but now I’m ready to advance to the next levels

Winning the Commonwealth Youth title was a big moment, what did that win mean to you?

Winning my first title was a great achievement for me and for it to me in front of family and friends at a local venue felt even more special. It was a reminder of how far I have came from that young kid at aged 10/11 starting off. No matter what I go on to reach I will always look bad on that night feeling proud of my first achievement.

You’ve built a strong unbeaten record, what do you think separates you from other fighters at your level?

I believe I have great fundamentals strong jab good defensive skills & pick my shots well under pressure . I’m a young man in this game but what I’ve learnt since my debut will put me in great stead for the future.

What have been the biggest lessons you’ve learned transitioning from amateur to pro?

I’ve learnt that you have to see boxing as a game of chess and try to be one or two steps ahead of your opponent, where as in the amateur game everything happens at a much faster pace and can be slightly rushed. This is why I believe I was suited more to the pro game over longer rounds and distance.

You’ve spoken about wanting to reach world level, what does your ideal career path look like from here?

With only being 22, I have a long future ahead there’s no need to rush things. I would love to be on the British scene in 2-3 years around age 25 then go on from there internationally.

How important is fighting on bigger stages or televised cards to your ambitions?

Fighting on the big stage is what I have dreamed of since a kid and I don’t feel like I’m miles away from that. But it will be key to growing a fan base so people from Manchester can get to know me.

Where do you see yourself in 3–5 years’ time in the sport?

In 3-5 years I’ll be 25-27 so i aim to be an established pro with some domestic titles.

Ultimately, what legacy do you want to leave in boxing?

I want to be remembered for being in great fights and being a true professional so I can look back in years to come being proud of my career and feeling content with that I achieved.

Who were the fighters you looked up to growing up, and why?

I looked up to Anthony Crolla and Scott Quigg at the start they were local heroes and shown it’s possible being from where we’re from and reaching the bright lights of boxing.

Outside of boxing, does anyone else inspires you—whether in sport, music, or life in general?

Conor McrGregor inspires me because he is obviously a global superstar but was once a young apprentice on a building site with bigger dreams just like I did. Also Harry Maguire he’s took a huge amount of criticism over the last few years and dug down & shown he was a true professional that’s the character I would aim to be like.