Having already knocked Tyson Fury out (OK it was in a computer game!), I thought I’d turn my attention to his brother Tommy.
While boxing and strongman are different in a thousand ways, they also have one vital element in common – targeted use of strength.
We put each other’s skills to the test by trading body shots. I think we were both a bit nervous about really letting loose with the best we’ve got – but we found it within ourselves to give it a go!
To be fair to Tommy, he barely flinched as I gave my all. It was the weight in the punch that came as a shock. He’s a light-heavyweight. I’m about twice as big as any fighter he’s faced in the ring.
Tommy, though, punches beyond his weight and gave as good as he got.
I should say at this stage we were wearing body protectors – except I thought I’d give Tommy a go with the shield off. I’m not sure if that’s something I’ll be doing again in a hurry. I felt that punch for sure! It rattled around inside me and had to have a little lean on a punchbag to recover!
Down the years I’ve let more than a few people punch me in the stomach. My muscles are so strong that usually it barely registers – it’s them who are wincing from the sore knuckles – but Tommy was something else. It was like a shockwave going through me.
I love meeting other professional sportspeople. The worst thing you can do is stick to your own little bubble. Broaden your horizons, meet different people with different methods, different diets, different routines, and all you can do is learn. I’m lucky enough to learn from the best, but the same principle applies at every level.
I hope people learn from me the same as I learn from them. There’s plenty of lessons to be found in my monthly subscription newsletter. I think you’ll like them – take a look on the Home page to find out more on how to sign up.
See you soon! – Eddie