AT ARM’S LENGTH

INSIDE Newbridge, South Wales’ tin can of a boxing gym, former Commonwealth champion and British title challenger Bradley Pryce became a man. He was surrounded by heavy bags, shaken from thudding punches, and carefully evaded snaked skipping ropes left abandoned on the damaged floor. It was an education, an employment and a place of worship, led by an Italian musician who became the trainer of multiple world champions.

“Sugar Sweet” Pryce would fight, and handily beat, some of Britain’s best domestic fighters. But he would also lose, falling short of world titles and cash windfalls. He risked his health, fighting on far too long in search of regular income, ultimately cheating Boxing Board-mandated eye tests in his quest to keep the lights on. It wasn’t all smooth sailing.

Now, speaking to Boxing News about life after boxing, Pryce remembers burning the candle at both ends, life under the tutelage of the legendary Enzo Calzaghe, and the very moment he became one of boxing’s ageing acid tests.

We’d previously spoken on the phone almost eight years ago, when Bradley called to cancel his Sky TV. I tried to convince him to stay with the company, throwing stacked offers in his direction, delighted that a fighter had trickled through the switchboard.

“I’m actually working at the Sky building in Cardiff, funnily enough