“I’ve lost faith in boxing, it’s just TOO EASY to dope!” 🥊 Adam Booth | Up Front

This is Up Front with Simon Jordan. A show brought to you by William Hill that pulls no punches and tells it EXACTLY like it is.
On this week's episode, we are joined by one of the UK's most respected boxing trainers - Adam Booth.
Famous for guiding David Haye to cruiserweight and heavyweight glory, and in overseeing Andy Lee's historic WBO middleweight title win. Adam joins Simon to discuss his history in boxing, his run-ins with some of the world's greatest, and the dark side of doping in the sport.
Subscribe for future episodes and head to / @upfrontwithsi. . for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly.
Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.
#boxing #simonjordan #upfront
00:00 Intro to Adam Booth
01:04 Podcast begins
02:32 Booth’s “why”
03:58 What drew Booth to boxing?
06:44 Moving into training
08:14 David Haye
16:09 Training for Jean-Marc Mormeck in Cyprus
21:08 Moving to heavyweight
22:24 Wladimir Klitschko
25:23 Derek Chisora
28:03 Tyson Fury vs David Haye
32:44 “Splitting” from David Haye and his comeback
34:16 Adam’s greatest achievement as a trainer
35:58 British Trainers
38:44 Rob McCracken / AJ first fight vs Usyk
41:23 Antony Joshua
46:50 How can Usyk beat Fury?
48:40 Chris Eubank Jnr
53:26 Doping
01:03:36 Chris Eubank Snr
01:04:32 Landscape of Boxing
01:07:50 The most influential thing Adam has told to a fighter

[@shanedog4974]

Simon Jordan says at opening of each show that he is going to stand his guests up to proper scrutiny yet doesn’t ask Billy Joe about his failed drugs test or doesn’t ask Billy Joe or Carl Frampton on association with MTK whose founder Daniel Kinahan has a $5million bounty on his head by the feds.

[@reecebond7453]

Poor from Simon, Majority of people have tuned in for an insight into the George Groves situation. I hope Simon gets collared for it.

[@davidsykes1980]

Mr I don’t shy away from the tough questions.

[@campcop9214]

Probably pointless, booth has never spoke publicly about it, I see no reason why that would change here. The fact that half the interview was about haye says it all

[@chimaa007]

My favorite episode so far. Booth was extremely knowledgeable and forthright and articulate with his comments. Loved it 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@ProfRogers]

A man who thinks for himself. I like him.

[@larrysellers7891]

So no questions on the Groves split; no questions for Saunders about his failed drug test and no questions for Frampton on MTK and Kinahan. The self aggrandising mission statement at the beginning of each episode is looking a little vacuous at this point.

[@markwyss85]

Couldn’t word it better myself 👏🏻

[@TheRaveMusicArchive]

Good points.

[@joshymccy]

Spent half hour asking about david haye and not a single word on groves and what happened there. Poor from sj

[@christophercoey7804]

Generally I think Simon Jordan does get to the meat and drink, but I entirely agree with you, here he absolutely didn't! We never got to digest half of that which would interest us about this complex character, he set the table and left the wine in the kitchen! Hardly In vino veritas! More a dry mouth and too much to chew on that didn't wet the appetite! Everyone wants to know the ins and outs re Groves and much more besides.

[@boxingmongoose408]

Disagree. He’s not a journalist. A proper one, that does investigative journalism. Also this podcast is sponsored by William Hill. They aren’t going to want anything too controversial like gangsters. Should the title of the podcast be changed? Possibly. But it does set the tone that brings people like Adam and Saunders more out of their shell. But it will never be about fiery contentious topics that could backfire on the guests. It’s not a trial. I think this episode was a brilliant listen, as was the Saunders and Nelson ones.

[@the-gman7797]

He is probably the most calmest cornerman ive ever seen,i dont know what he is liek as a person but as a trainer and cornerman from what ive seen he is world class.

[@daz7171]

Great interview Adam knows his stuff and I think he's put Simon in place regarding AJ

[@benooo3863]

Blokes a little smug weasel

[@maxwellgrimes3704]

No asking about Groves and their split? Shame

[@dogsbollocksgenius9480]

Was the only reason I clicked the vid ffs

[@denboy666]

Yeah, what happened to getting to the bottom line eh?

[@jhnhcks57]

Have to say, credit where it's due Simon Jordan hosts these interviews incredibly well - keeps the pace moving and gets a rounded impression of person and career in an hour or so - kudos

[@adamappleton4631]

Adam Booth is a great listen. Glad he set Simon straight on the fact that AJ has had an admirable career and it's not as simple as just "getting stuck in"...

[@ninjasrose1653]

I’m very unsure of Booth, but this was an extremely insightful interview that was gripping all the way through. Especially regarding the drug cheating in the sport. Great job guys.

[@josephkennedy8281]

I was the same.found him strange,camera shy.but I respected him for it and he has opened up here and his alright

[@Kweks101]

A massive shame he stopped working with George Groves. Excellent duo.

[@dean7652]

Groves ended up with a better trainer in McGuigan in the end

[@Kweks101]

@@dean7652 debatable. The work Booth done with Haye and Groves surpasses anything he’s done imo.

[@JohnDoe-nt1sv]

I’m guessing booth knows it was his fault because he didn’t speak on it

[@dean7652]

@@Kweks101 what you on about, McGuigan trained Groves to get a world title, he dumped Groves when Groves needed him most.

[@Kweks101]

@@dean7652 Groves was his most impressive with Booth. Chudinov was a tin can, was happy Groves won a world title but the opposition was poor.

[@ThePremiumRat]

Adam Booth is phenomenal to listen to

[@briantimlin2650]

Very good podcast. Would have liked for him to have been asked on George Groves as well.

[@scottjones9362]

Excellent interview. Well done both.

[@markdoughty8780]

This was a great interview with Adam Booth; very insightful, honest, and sincere. I thoroughly enjoyed tuning into the discussion - thanks for uploading.

[@stevencavanagh1613]

Absolutely love these in depth interviews , gives you a true insight into the individuals thoughts and lives in and out of there particular sport 🥊🇬🇧

[@cjmckenzie8190]

great interview. you know i never liked this booth before. i’m glad he done this interview. i see him in a whole new manor now.

[@robbragg5712]

Very good interview, really enjoyed this. I would have loved to hear more about George groves

[@nestface4705]

adam booth is a brilliant listen. said this for years. should be on these kinda channels more

[@Craig.229]

I really enjoyed this, I feel like it needs a part 2

[@truthwinsuk8056]

Why no questions about the split with George groves on the eve of froch v groves 1

[@oatsworld]

Agreed... I was hoping we'd of got to hear about this

[@UncleRuckus_96]

Shame really would of been good to see

[@kevio8179]

Because the truth is Jordon is a boy playing a man's game, so he is very careful who he asks certain questions too.

[@DeadPixels_]

A peak Haye would trouble all the HWs of today. So overlooked, was a genuine talent. Overlooked trainer Adam, you can see his style across his fighters, hunched over, hunter stance, slipping or catching shots, quick counter punchers. Always admired that style but man is it hard to emulate (in any fashion) - he’s AJ answer was brilliant too, great analysis and insight. Simon, if you can carry this calm, no biased, without agenda approach you could be the best at this. Mighty interview and really enjoyable not having to sit through extremes of love or hate.

[@thiefoftomorrow]

a prime haye would put the fear of god in to AJ right now

[@powpow9560]

Prime AJ beats prime Haye.@@thiefoftomorrow

[@robcousins231]

Brilliant episode, well done Simon and Adam.

[@chrisbennett6260]

tremendous interview ,very insightful and informative and immensely entertaining keep up the great work ,this was a real treat

[@johnnyutah999]

His treatment of George Groves was very poor

[@PauloTheGeek]

100%. He basically treated Groves like some novice kid he was doing a favour for. George was ready for world title fighta and had a huge opportunity against Froch but Booth basically abandoned him. Not a likeable character.

[@GA001]

@@PauloTheGeekSmarmy and sleazy guy. Compare how he’s speaking with Simon compared to how he treats interviewers.

[@TC8787-yq7og]

Ego that’s absolutely off the chain, thought he was more important than his fighters

[@dean7652]

I think the saying goes “if he was chocolate he’d eat himself”

[@martinduggan4077]

ego v ego only Eddie Hearn and pierced organ missing from the biggest narcissistic tools

[@dobianuli2742]

Adam talking about fighters delaying signing contracts with silly reasons to give them time to use peds reminds me of fury’s antics

[@leetucker6016]

Interviews are getting better as Simon seem to allow his guest to speak more than he did in previous uploads. Great interview and look forward to the next one especially if it’s regarding boxing

[@officialcoachdanny]

This was absolutely terrific, what an interview 👏👏👏👏

[@oatsworld]

I was really hoping you'd of gone more into his relationship with Groves and how that came to an end, however really good interview - thoroughgoingly enjoyed it.

[@Mr-ye1vu]

Brilliant interview.

[@scottym6239]

What a fantastic interview !

[@russellclay2087]

great listen chaps. Thank you

[@johnnobrega4767]

Thanks again Simon , a great interview

[@markiniesta8910]

Really insightful. Great show.

[@divscuba7096]

great questions Simon. great interview. a real mix

[@teak71]

AdamBooth needs to write and release an auto biography, so many stories, so much knowledge, life lesson’s, i would buy it👌🥊

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

Excellent interview and content.

[@thechipman2473]

Great stuff, good on you, Adam

[@liammccann8763]

Wonderful insight gentlemen, bravo.

[@DaveH28]

I’ll be honest I didn’t know anything about Adam Booth before and I’ve just been transfixed for whole duration.. excellent interview

[@jonnytaylor9852]

Adam booth gives a great interview. Very honest guy says it as it is like froch

[@ChattinBoxingWYB]

Insightful and introspective interview.

[@martingodden613]

Good man Adam Booth much respect

[@stephenwareing9194]

Adam booth amazing trainer, coach and manager 👌👌👌👌

[@alexthomas2716]

Adam's a good bloke and had great success as a trainer and I massively rate him saying going in make as much money and come out alive

[@iorekby]

He's always put his fighters wellbeing first. He's thrown the towel in on a few occasions (like Haye vs Thompson). A lot of coaches just treat fighters like paydays and don't care. They'll let them stay in the ring a round too long in the off chance they can turn it around and get them a big payday next time out.

[@danfallon1247]

That was a good one Simon.

[@leejacobson1413]

Brilliant podcast really enjoyed this episode

[@richwearz]

Love these, particularly the boxing guests. Simon has to get Naz in the chair 👑

[@harrys1505]

He will need to get a bigger chair for that one.

[@richwearz]

😂@@harrys1505

[@sholaebofin6090]

That would be a classic

[@courtneyhamilton1997]

What a guest this can’t wait to listen

[@lfcspectre4335]

Simon = Top LAD Proper Clobber ✊

[@andybentley9067]

Another great interview 👏 🙌

[@Jake87275]

Top interview this 🥊

[@frankpayen4765]

Great interview

[@ahmerazim3924]

Just watched this, A B is an excellent trainer and seems like a good man. His knknowledge is great, I could listen to him all day

[@JamesBowering]

Great interview.

[@chrish5349]

The irony of Simon Jordan. Vacuous opinions, much like his opinions on boxing. He is just a casual. Why is AJ a topic in every episode of this when he doesn't rate him.

[@matthewstephens6848]

He knows, spout off about the big names - get bigger views. It’s all a pretend, views based game.

[@matthewstephens6848]

As a coach, It’s frustrating to never hear boxing people address (Adam admits he can’t remember and hypothesises, to be fair) the clear game plan that AJ had vs Usyk in their first fight. AJ actually implemented it very well. It’s just that Usyk was too good, strong, tough and fit for it to work. But there’s no way they could’ve known that. He’d not shown that in previous fights at heavy. They did EXACTLY what you’d prepare a boxer to do to a small guy coming up that isn’t known to be a puncher. Subtle front foot pressure, make him move a lot, hopefully make him tire, make him work when he doesn’t want to and hit him hard down the stretch. We’re gonna take shots and we’re gonna look bad at times, but we’ll get to him eventually. Trouble is, when those flush shots to head and body landed on Usyk he either came back harder or didn’t really blink. You can’t prepare for that. Doesn’t mean that AJ is terrible or any of these other theories. Just meant he met someone better. It happens. He could’ve ‘bigger manned’ him more for sure, but you have to believe that a trainer like Rob knows there’s a reason that won’t be the best idea. But either way, it’s this narrative that he did something terribly wrong that your average person can pick out that is idiotic. The game plan was good, the performance was good - the opponent was better. That’s all.

[@christophercoey7804]

I strongly, disagree. The game-play absolutely should have been to double up the jab far more often than he did, and to throw in twos and threes. You can't throw single shots against a counterpuncher, and the single jab to set up a strong right hand one-two was always likely to be off-set by a pure boxing faster southpaw. Not only that, he fought clean as the much bigger guy, there was barely a clinch in the entire fight! You absolutely do not fight clean like that against a much smaller man, especially one who is coming up in weight. He should have looked to hit and clinch to smother counters, he should have looked to clinch and walk him back to the ropes, he should have been looking to lean all over him and make him carry his weight to drain him.. Start early as you mean to go on and push it as far as you can, as far as the ref allows/doesn't punish you and we all know the champ gets far more leniency than the challenger coming in. I can barely remember AJ doubling the jab, barely remember in throwing in threes and fours and to the was barely a single clinch in the entire fight. Tyson Fury wont be doing any of this I can absolutely assure you, he'll fight ugly, and he'll definitely lean all over him and wrestle him and try to wreck his gas tank in this manner, and he won't throw single shots that Usyk can simply counter off. I could mention the fact that AJ made it too much of a boxing match and not enough of a fight like everyone else, but I don't like homogeneous, non-specific critique, so I have been very specific with exactly what I saw as being wrong.

[@matthewstephens6848]

@@christophercoey7804 As I said, he should’ve ‘bigger manned’ him more. That’s what you described. Make him carry your weight, be much more physical, etc. And for sure, rough him up. I agree. The thing with AJ throwing multiples, I’m not sure he’s built for that over 12. Certainly not at elite level. Also yes, add some improvements after the fact. We can all do that. That’s easy. We can all say hypothetically what should’ve/could’ve happened with no idea how that would’ve played out (Remember McCracken was Froch’s trainer - he knows these game plans exist. I also think he knows what you need to be as a human to do that and maybe AJ isn’t it, but as you say, Fury definitely is). My point is they had a very definite plan that AJ implemented. It was good and it worked - they hit Usyk very hard to head and body. It’s just that the man wouldn’t be denied and was better. If Usyk had been less of a man, their plan would’ve been a winner. Trouble was they came up against a freak of nature with a champion mindset. But, all our analysis aside, my main point is this uninformed spouting about that performance that maybe he was disobeying McCracken, etc. It’s just not the case. Anyone with half a boxing brain could see exactly what they were doing from round 1 and no one ever addresses it. Another note, in the second fight Garcia was asking for the double (which I also agree, could’ve maybe, but not definitely, been a massive difference) in the corner and AJ never threw it there either. I think there was actually trainer issues too, in both fights. I don’t think it was a coincidence that he was throwing the double much better under Derek James one or two fights later and actually shadow-realmed Helenius off an educated and varied double.

[@pmacca4830]

When someone is as elusive as Usky jab to the chest...the head moves the chest doesn't..

[@cocoringo4329]

​@@matthewstephens6848 I agree with your initial point. All talk of AJ being more physical and using his strength to bully usyk falls on deaf ears because usyk is too fast, intelligent and mobile in the first place to let him do that. People just have to accept AJ isn't a particularly good boxer and was lucky to become world champion in a weak era, while Usyk is a generational talent.

[@matthewstephens6848]

Yeah man. This would be my worry. There's no saying, in this hypothetical world these pundits live in, that the exact thing they're saying AJ should've done wouldn't have got him KO'd in the process. I'm just trying to address what actually happened. You can only assume that McCracken, who has forgot more about boxing that most people will ever know, knows this also. You cannot make a man into something he isn't. I give AJ max credit for where he's got to. I rate him in general. He'd beat a vast amount of percentage of heavyweights in the world. But there will always be a percentage that will be too good for him. Doesn't mean he's sh!t. Just not elite. The people that lay into him for not being elite are generally the same people who couldn't take an amateur heavyweight to British championship level. It's a mad old sport. People with zero clue, getting money to talk about something they have zero idea about. @@cocoringo4329

[@welcometotherevolutionwttr4431]

I like Adam no-nonsense , knows his stuff

[@bigmacleicester]

cooor that was fascinating, I was the biggest David haye and listening to those stories was class!

[@KphexTwin00]

love these podcasts.

[@biddiegoat]

That comment about AJ seeing Usyk and Loma back in amateurs was a very good take on it. Different take on the Psychology behind the fight.

[@garyhoufe7008]

Great Interview with Adam....1 of Lifes Straight Shooters...Tells it how it is and prepared to stand his Ground and Deal with any Consequences that come his way. A Very Intelligent and I can imagine a Great Teacher to someone who wishes to listen and learn about the Art of Boxing.....As always Simon keep em coming and Great to see someone pushing the boundaries and rustling the feathers of some Peacocks...Lol

[@harrys1505]

Why are you putting capital letters in the middle of sentences? That's the strangest thing I have ever Seen!

[@garyhoufe7008]

@harrys1505 Bet your a really liked Person aren't you Harry

[@iorekby]

He's no doubt a top coach but honestly he seems to really only work well with very athletic explosive fighters like Haye, Lee and Groves. He'd have been a good fit for AJ though.

[@kid--presentable]

Best interview so far

[@user-qx9fy8gu1w]

cracking interview

[@mrpk646]

Great stuff 👍🏼

[@myyoot]

Great boxing knowledge and good guy is Adam Booty

[@anelka10]

Another very good interview

[@darmate14]

Very insightful. Super guest given same background as Simon

[@anjumf1]

Great Interview! Adam Booth is one of those enigmatic individuals in the sport and this was a very interesting talk. I especially liked his training tip for dealing with being dropped at the end!

[@MadManChelseafan]

Someone got a decent convo out of booth. Never been a fan of his but i guess its good to see this side of him

[@SummitSearcher]

Fascinating interview and really enjoyed listening. Would have liked to hear his thoughts on the George Groves situation. Interestingly omitted.

[@senecaknowledge2274]

Brilliant interview by both interviewer & interviewee

[@picklemotts6022]

Best one yet!

[@leewarwick9655]

Wasn't sure about booth , but this interview very insightful and seems decent honest guy

[@nahorsman]

I enjoyed this. I have great respect for Adam Booth.

[@BonesnHarmony1]

Great Podcast !

[@Captainhook999]

Enjoyed that in depth conversation with adam interesting character

[@yafai29]

Adam booth absolute class imo straight up no bull just straight clean talking

[@francescoschettino5726]

David Haye and Adam Booth has the most incredible thing going. Even in 2013 when Haye started getting injured a lot. I firmly believe Haye would have knocked Fury out in style.

[@Skibbitypappappa]

To be fair not a crazy opinion, Fury was still coming up and had alot of flaws and Haye wasn't past it in 2013 by any means so if he had been injury free it's definitely possible as Hate could bang but then again Tyson has shown great recovery powers against Wilder so it would have been an interesting fight for sure

[@alexbelotti1603]

Ducked twice for that reason I guess

[@jamesytheblue]

Loved Haye, but not a chance.

[@josephkennedy8281]

😂😂😂😂haye was petrified ffs

[@jamesgoing4527]

Love Adam booth 🥊 he knows his boxing 👌

[@earnwithhearn180]

The Dark Lord for over an hour. Let’s go !

[@jamesdouglas8889]

I actually enjoyed that. I like Adam and they way he speaks.

[@onana2491]

love this ❤

[@michaelduffy4522]

That was excellent

[@MartinSmith-qt3cc]

Upfront my backside, obviously unable to ask about the Groves situation 😡

[@johnronane1504]

He won't be "upfront " because some of the guests might walk off and he may struggle to get other guests, especially people involved in boxing as they can be hyper sensitive to criticism.

[@bomberbolton]

Massive point about the contract signings and doping testing

[@kevangunn7163]

Being knocked senseless is very scary, how it changes you? is down to who you are as an individual. Nobody knows how they will handle terror until they've faced it

[@markvincent5241]

Like his boxing knowledge and coaching but there's something I can't put my finger on with him. Lost count of the amount of good boxers have split with him one way or another. Perhaps this may give us a bit of insight.

[@TimmyTurner421]

He probably keeps it 100% with them and they don't wanna hear that

[@fitasatrout8273]

@@TimmyTurner421 or the fighters don’t respect him enough for whatever reason

[@mrsugar2352]

@@fitasatrout8273they definitely respect him or he would not have them there

[@iorekby]

He's known to be tough in the gym. For example for the Mormeck vs Haye fight, he got in a bunch of guys for Haye to spar with orders they basically had to headbutt Haye and roughhouse him. He had to do it to get ready for Mormeck because that was his style. While it gets results, after a while it would probably take a lot out of fighters.

[@TheRaveMusicArchive]

Yes. You're right. There is something up.

[@johnh1252]

Adam's always been a cool dude. Unflappable.

[@marcudsquires6930]

Brilliant

[@Gary-mu1bu]

Good job Simon

[@Mitoala]

One of the best of Up Front, great insight, superb job gents!

[@Strangingness]

That intro was nice man

[@SYFGTrading]

Adam and David Legends

[@Formally-known-Prince-Andrew]

Goo tooooo Adam booooth

[@shanecarder9403]

Guessing Booth said no questions on Groves

[@millsy1861]

Don't know why we go on about AJ vs Usyk!! AJ's career was done by Ruiz jnr in the 1st fight, once he got KO'd by Ruiz AJ has never been the same. The AJ v Klitchko fight is one of the best heavyweight fights you'll see, and for Klitchko at 40 to put in that performance was incredible to be honest, also one of the most humble likeable fighters ever. AJ should have taken Klitchko's offer to help train him in my opinion.

[@robbobtc8742]

Very good

[@2bxgym548]

Great coach

[@darthvaper6745]

Adam is the snarkiest man I've ever seen.

[@epec20]

Likes touching young men

[@peterf08]

He does have a very high opinion of himself Rumour has it on the boxing circuit he charges a higher percentage than any other trainer

[@markzola8142]

​@peterf08 no way if anyone should the ingle's should not booth

[@r3co0]

​@peterf08 and why not? If you believe in your product or business then chsrge accordingly. Not forced to use his services.

[@peterf08]

@r3co0 i didn't say it was good or bad just pointing it out Up to the boxer to decide if its worth it or not