Macklin's Take - Boxing Podcast · Andrew Clarke

Episode #142 with Clifton Mitchell

·1 hr 18 min·7 clips

Clifton Mitchell explains how the British Boxing Board suspended his license despite passing a brain scan, ending his career.

This episode of Macklin's Take features hosts Andy Clark and Matt Macklin in conversation with Clifton Mitchell, a former professional boxer turned security company owner and gym founder. The discussion occurs at the Intercontinental hotel amid the postponed Savannah Marshall vs. Claressa Shields fight, creating an unusual atmosphere. Mitchell recounts being given the ring name "Paddy O'Reilly from Ballyjamesduff" by legendary trainer Brendan Ingle, leading to confusion during his ScreenSport televised debut against Michael Murray. He describes moving to Sheffield to train under Ingle, living in a sparsely furnished house with just a mattress. Mitchell reflects that while Ingle's style wasn't ideal for him as a heavyweight, the gym fostered immense camaraderie and life skills, with Johnny Nelson becoming like a brother. He shares stories of traveling the world with Naseem Hamed, including a visit to Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch where Jackson served tea in Royal Derby china. Mitchell also recalls sharing a green room with Naomi Campbell and Jennifer Lopez at a Puff Daddy event. He explains founding his One Nation gym in Derby to build fighters from scratch and focus on community impact, particularly with fostered children. His security company began after working with Kevin Camp and now handles events for Matchroom, Warren Boxing, and football clubs like Leicester City. A surprising insight is Mitchell's calm reaction to meeting Michael Jackson, crediting his mother's teaching that no person is inherently better than another. He reveals that tough experiences, including time in a children's home from age 12, forged his single-mindedness. Mitchell believes true trainers are teachers who build fighters from the ground up, unlike those who inherit finished products. He gets more satisfaction from helping a previously non-verbal child win a junior championship and speak publicly than from predictable pro victories. Mitchell notes that boxing security is exceptionally difficult due to managing highly emotional fighters, families, and officials during events. He admits he doesn't personally do close protection work anymore, finding it less appealing than managing his businesses. The tone is conversational and nostalgic, filled with personal anecdotes and reflective lessons from a life in and around boxing. The style is informal and meandering, covering everything from gym banter to celebrity encounters and business philosophy. This episode would appeal to boxing historians interested in the Brendan Ingle gym era and listeners who enjoy candid, life-story interviews with behind-the-scenes figures. Those seeking hardcore fight analysis or current event breakdowns might find it less relevant.

As heard by us

A postponed-fight detour with its strongest voice in Clifton Mitchell's view of boxing.

The episode lingers in the awkward calm after the postponed fight, with Andy Clark and Matt Macklin at the Intercontinental sorting travel changes, an early-departure mood, and the sense that the news may already be stale by the time listeners hear it.

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Why you'd press play

You want a strange fight-week listen shaped by a late postponement, gym philosophy, and a coach who treats boxing like community work.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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