Matt Hall fights for his family

Matt “MJ” Hall is a fighter.

Hall was born in the historic village of Wordsley, England.

His career began four years ago, but unlike most professional fighters, Hall had no amateur fights. 

“My first fight was a charity bout in twenty-fourteen,” said Hall. “I then did a few licensed matches before turning over.”

By turning over, he means going pro, which he did four years ago. Hall,29, learned the tricks of the trade on the job. The experience can be painful. How many people get punched in the face for a living?

His motivation comes from his wife and kids.

“It’s all for them,” Hall told me via Facebook.  

Fighter’s fight. Most with limited experience would have maybe 10-20 fights at the same point in their careers. Think lightweight world champion Teofimo Lopez. He turned pro a few months before Hall. He’s engaged in 18 bouts.

Hall has been in the ring 65 times. In 2019 alone, he boxed 25 times. He recently fought back-to-back weekends. It could have been a trifecta if Hall hadn’t come down with Covid. He’s doing well.

This is throwback stuff. To Hall, it’s as simple as staying active. His motivation comes from his wife and kids.

“It’s all for them,” Hall told me via Facebook.  

Watching Hall in the ring, it’s obvious he lacks the skills of a top-notch boxer. No matter. What he lacks in talent, he makes up for with an abundance of guts and determination.

It’s not surprising that his favorite fighter was also a tough guy.

“Carl Froch," he said. “Hard as nails.”

Unlike Froch, and so many other boxers, Hall has never really had a trainer.

“I take each fight as it comes,” said Hall. “I do a hell of a lot (of training) myself.”

Not much glory there. One wonders how a trainer could help the gutsy guy from Wordsley.  

Hall, who has a job outside of boxing, has won three fights in five years. Many of his opponents were young, highly publicized, undefeated hotshots. Hall’s the hardscrabble guy who brings his lunch pail to work. He’ll bleed, but never give up.

The father of two boys and a girl wouldn’t be thrilled if they followed in his boxing footsteps, but he’d support them. Hall’s wife, Laura, backs his career choice, but there’s one thing she won’t do.

“She’ll never watch me (fight)” he says.

Matt Hall is called a journeyman in boxing circles. The title means his skill is adequate.  To me Hall is a warrior, a guy who fights every chance he gets to provide for his family.

That’s a fighter.

And a man.