In recent times, through social media and a society somewhat addicted to inclusion, one could be forgiven for believing that some mentors are insistent on being the stars of the show.  

Occupying top tables at press conferences, speaking above fighters, and relentlessly spamming Instagram with training drills has taken priority for some coaches, but not Stevenson, whose methods have seen him produce a vast number of champions despite not entering the professional code until 2010. 

 

The Ring

Today, Stevenson boasts one of the best stables in British boxing and although Liverpool is right at the core of his premises, fighters from further afield are relocating to one of the country's brightest boxing cities to receive the guidance that has taken Nick Ball from the small halls of Britain’s northwest to the peak of the featherweight division. 

“Look, for me, it’s all about teaching boxing here and that’s it for me,” said Stevenson when taking the time from his hectic schedule to speak to DAZN News ahead of a mouthwatering weekend in Liverpool when Ball faces Brandon Figueroa. 

“I don’t like seeing the trainers in the spotlight. It’s always been about the fighters for me from day one. They’re the ones who are putting everything on the line, so it should always be about the fighters. They’re taking all the risks. They’re doing all the difficult things. You’ll never see me fishing for interviews or putting videos out.” 

Ahead of February 7, a night when Stevenson will be overseeing the destiny of five of his fighters, two at world level with Ball and Andrew Cain facing stern examinations, Stevenson is meticulous as he gets to work on his premises aiming to deliver for the assorted mix of characters who have put their faith in him to deliver the biggest prizes possible. 

Before activity commences, Stevenson’s fighters are summoned to his office. A couch and scattered chairs surround him as he instructs Ball, Andrew Cain, Joe McGrail, Chloe Watson, Boma Brown, and latest addition, much touted Irish heavyweight, Adam Olaniyan to focus on the screen that dominates his corner desk. 

Olaniyan is new to Stevenson’s methods. Crossing the Irish Sea to make Liverpool his home, a sacrifice largely made to locate himself at the ERT, Olaniyan’s profile as an 18 year old future superstar allowed him plenty of freedom when landing himself a new trainer, but once under Stevenson’s tutelage, he knew where he wanted to be. 

“I looked at a few places and spent time in a few gyms,” said Olaniyan as Stevenson carefully wrapped his hands for a day’s work. 

“Once here it just felt right. I’d heard a lot about Paul, and I’d seen what he had done with fighters from scratch who he had built from the ground up. I’m giving everything I have to this. I’ve moved in just around the corner, and I know we’re going to make this work.” 

Before most day’s sessions, Stevenson will play his fighters an old battle from boxing’s glorious past as he forces his students to digest the tricks that have been mastered by those who went before them. Previous visits to the gym have seen Mickey Ward’s body shots studied in detail, but today it’s the 1997 unified flyweight scrap between Albuquerque rivals, Johnny Tapia and Danny Romero. 

“Look at Tapia. Look how he’s always doing something. Even if he’s not landing shots, he’s always doing something and that’s making Romero think,” observes Stevenson. Repeatedly pausing his screen to emphasise the minute details that are often the difference between winning and losing. 

The world champions in the lower weight categories, Tapia and Romero, were major names in the thriving 1990s, but today, Stevenson has one of his own in Ball, and more could follow if Cain is successful in an eliminator for the WBC bantamweight belt. Stevenson, a former amateur fighter at the club, wears a proud smile at how far the gym has come in establishing itself as a home for world class fighters. 

“I’ve been here something like 40 years, as a kid and as a man, and this is by far the most successful period the club has ever had and there’s a 100-year history to look back on so that’s something. It’s a knock-on effect from what we do every day and seeing the fighters do well is what I like.” 

Although always looking forward, Stevenson’s immediate plans are centered on this weekend as Ball and Cain, along with Brad Strand, Lucas Biswana, and Luke Turner will all become his priority at various points on a huge night in Liverpool headlined by Ball’s latest world title defence.  

“Look, it’s been a journey and I’ve been fortunate to have been part of big fight nights, huge events in places like Wembley, Japan, we’ve boxed everywhere. Being here in Liverpool is brilliant. The noise in that arena when the local fighters go through the gears, there’s nothing else like it when you feel that energy in the room. It’s good to see Everton Red Triangle playing a part in bringing those big fights to Liverpool.” 

With Ball and Cain linked to monstrous showdowns with the Inoue brothers, Naoya and Inoue, the big nights that Stevenson gleefully discusses could be about to take on a more significant meaning if things go to plan on Saturday night. 

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