Huddersfield ‘Loose Cannon’ eats eight meals a day ahead of two huge fights

A Huddersfield fighter is spending hours in the gym getting in shape for two huge upcoming boxing matches.

Liam Hodgson, 26, says his training regime “has gone through the roof” while his food and drink diet has increased to around 3,400 calories a day to help build muscle.

In July, Liam will face Halifax’s Luke Dyson for the English Hybrid Boxing title, which will be Liam’s debut. And in September he will fight Grimsby man Liam Gell, who is the British light heavyweight champion in UBKB (Ultimate Bare Knuckle Boxing).

Read more: Shock as ‘legendary’ Huddersfield pub ‘set to close and become flats’

Liam’s record is four wins and two losses. In 2022, he went viral in a rare “double knockdown” video.

In recent months, Liam, a former goalkeeper and rugby player, has been working hard in the gym and doing plenty of running, including circuits of the notoriously tough Scammonden Steps, as well as following the advice of his personal trainer, Jacob Binns.

“My training went through the roof and everything kicked into gear,” Liam said Yorkshire Live.

“My training has improved. I’ve brought a lot more to this camp and I’m taking my time to do everything I commit to. I’m following a strict meal plan that will help me benefit physically and mentally.”

Most days consist of six meals, but this can go up to eight meals if the training has been particularly intense. Breakfast would usually consist of four poached eggs and two slices of toast. Then there will be protein shakes taken with water, yogurt and berries, chicken and rice with vegetables, steak and rice with vegetables and another protein shake. If she’s still hungry towards the end of the day, she might have four hard-boiled eggs and later some Greek-style yogurt and honey.

The goal is to reach about 3,400 calories a day, far more than the recommended amount for the average man (2,500).

He adds: “In my training, I’ve increased my cardio and changed my boxing gym. Now I train in a private gym where I am surrounded by amazing up and coming talent. I am pushed to the limit by my new trainers.

“I frequently train three times a day – one first thing, then an afternoon and boxing in the evening. I run early every morning and usually strength and conditioning in an afternoon. I’ve dedicated life totally in this camp and tweaked the little areas that let me down in the past.

“I feel very confident in myself to get the job done. I’m in the best physical shape I’ve ever been in. There’s always room for improvement and on fight night I’ll be the best version of myself. I’m now comfortable and seeing results from all the hard work I put in for what I deserve.”

Liam, who is 5ft 7 and weighs 13 10, has lost more than three stone since January as he aims for his ideal fighting weight.

But he has no plans to alter his fighting style, which is summed up by his longtime nickname, Loose Cannon. He admits that in the past he was perhaps a little “relentless” in his style in the ring and has since become a little more disciplined.

When asked if he’s still a Loose Cannon, he doesn’t hesitate in his answer. “I am. I always will be.”

But he adds: “I’m a totally different fighter now, with a lot more to bring to the table.” The hybrid boxing event takes place on Saturday 20th July in Woodhouse, Leeds. The bare knuckle title is at the BEC Arena, Manchester on September 28.

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