Insider Sport’s Matchday Programme offers a personal look at what sporting moments and figures have inspired industry stakeholders. Through candid reflections, the programme delves into the stories behind the inspirations that have shaped their perspectives and fuelled their passion for sports.
In this edition, professional boxer Alex Murphy examines the leadership qualities of the legendary boxing coach Cus D’Amato, highlighting his significant achievement of not only teaching Mike Tyson boxing techniques but also sharing valuable life and mental lessons.
Which athlete do you think demonstrated the best winning mentality throughout their career?
For me, it’s Cristiano Ronaldo, an incredible athlete who has been disciplined his whole career. His ambitious mentality is clear to see, always wanting to improve no matter how good he is. Even with all the talent he’s gifted with, he’s only achieved so much in his sport due to the hard work he puts in and you can only respect that.
Who was your childhood sports hero and why? Which of their sporting achievements had the biggest impact on you?
I didn’t actually have any childhood heroes, I was never big into watching sports I just loved doing it. A sporting hero for me is my dad, who has always encouraged and helped me in my own sporting career.
What sports team do you follow the closest? Is this a family team or local side etc, and what has been the biggest moment in your history of supporting this club?
Bolton Wanderers, my dad’s team. He took me to my first ever game when I was four and I’ve been going ever since, experiencing highs and lows over the years. My favourite memory was beating Plymouth 4-1 at Wembley in the Papa John’s Trophy.
Is there a team manager from any sport, whether that be football, rugby, NFL, NBA etc, who you think demonstrated the best leadership qualities?
Cus D’Amato is arguably the best boxing coach of all time, producing three heavyweight world champions. Not only was his coaching so good but the way he handled Mike Tyson and everything he taught him, such as how to control his nerves etc is very impressive.
What sports tournament do you think consistently provides the biggest thrills? Which moment from this league stood out to you the most in recent memory?
The Euros/World Cup, the buzz of the whole nation getting together is unmatched. The fact we always truly believe we’re going to win the competition is a great feeling, but then to get let down every time is heartbreaking. But there’s no better feeling than getting together with all my mates and celebrating an England win.
If you could travel back in time to any historic sporting moment to watch it then and now, which would it be and why?
Arturo Gatti vs Micky Ward (1st fight), an unbelievable toe-to-toe fight that was constantly back and forth. I would have loved to see that ringside, especially the famous ninth round.
If you could go out for dinner with any sporting figure, current or historical, who would it be and what would you want to learn from them?
Muhammad Ali as I would be very interested to see what he was like on his own and not in front of the cameras. I would hope he was the same, I think he would be someone I would get on with very well. I think going for dinner with him would be a smart move as well considering how much I could pick his brains and learn from him.
For last week’s edition of the Matchday Programme, featuring Pavol Neruda, Co-Owner of OKTAGON MMA, reflecting on the exceptional leadership of Christian Horner, click here to read
