A few minutes into an interview with Nyall `Non Stop` Berry, the line went quiet. When asked if he was still there, it turned out he was just taking a moment to carefully consider his answer.
The question posed was about the most significant punch he`s delivered in his professional career, and Berry had several strong contenders.
There was the precise right uppercut that finished Lewis Frimpong, securing the vacant English super-bantamweight championship for the 25-year-old Birmingham fighter in March.
Or perhaps the powerful counter left hook that resulted in a rare stoppage defeat for Jayro Fernando Duran was even better?
What about the perfectly timed right-hand counter that dispatched Sufyaan Ahmed in just 23 seconds?
Berry opted for the latter.
“It was a clean counter shot,” he remarked, “and he was a quality opponent.”
Jon Pegg, Berry’s manager, trainer, and matchmaker, had hoped Ahmed would provide a few rounds of experience for his then-novice fighter, but one punch was all it took.
“I worked in construction from a young age,” Berry explained, “and maybe that`s the source of my punching power. I developed my physical strength early on. I was always on my feet lifting heavy materials all day. I suppose that explains it.”
It could also be hereditary. His uncle, Dennis Berry, was known for his concussive power.
Fighting at super-welterweight between 1993 and 2000, `Bad Boy` Berry recorded some chilling knockout victories on his 17-10 record.
“He was a bit unpredictable,” Nyall said of his uncle, “but when he connected, opponents certainly felt it.”
`Bad Boy` Berry is not involved in his nephew`s career, which is entirely managed by Pegg, who has overseen the success of fighters like Sam Eggington.
According to Pegg, after just five fights, Berry showed more potential than Eggington had at a similar stage.
Eggington has successfully bounced back from defeats, and Berry is following a similar path.
He has secured three consecutive wins since being convincingly defeated over eight rounds by skilled Italian Francesco De Rosa in Coventry last June, a loss Berry attributes to being overly aggressive.
“These things happen,” Berry shrugged, reflecting on the setback. He had won the Development Championship as an amateur with Eastside gym before turning professional in 2022.
His next challenge is a six-round bout in Cannock on Sunday, May 25, following his recent victories.
Berry intends to compete primarily at 118lbs (bantamweight).
“I weighed 120lbs when I claimed the English title,” he reasoned ahead of his upcoming fight on Scott Murray`s show at Bar Sport. “Making the weight was straightforward.”
He won the St George’s belt in impressive fashion.
“He caught me and thought he could finish me off,” Berry recalled about the Frimpong fight. “I remained composed under pressure, defended myself well, and when I spotted the opening, I unleashed the uppercut.”
Berry added, “I gained valuable lessons from that fight I lost. If I hadn`t experienced that defeat, I might have panicked (against Frimpong).”
Berry is now ready to bring his potent punching power to the 118lbs division and acknowledges the need to rise through the rankings quickly.
“This is a make or break year for me,” Berry stated.
“It`s tough making it work financially, and it`s challenging mentally too. That`s just life, isn`t it?”
“I have a child, and it`s difficult trying to train full-time.”
“I`m pragmatic, and I`ve honestly asked myself: `If my career isn`t progressing, what`s the purpose?`”
