Just a couple of minutes into an interview with `Boxing News,` super-bantamweight Nyall `Non Stop` Berry went quiet on the line.
`Nyall, are you still there?` came the voice.
It turned out he was, simply taking a moment to consider his answer to the question: `What`s the best punch you`ve landed in your professional career?` Berry had several strong contenders.
There was the sharp right uppercut that knocked out Lewis Frimpong, securing him the vacant English super-bantamweight championship in March.
Or perhaps the powerful counter left hook that handed Jayro Fernando Duran a rare stoppage loss?
What about the perfectly timed right-hand counter that finished Sufyaan Ahmed in a mere 23 seconds?
Berry chose the last one.
`It was a good counter shot,` he reflected, `and he was a capable opponent.`
Berry`s manager, trainer, and matchmaker, Jon Pegg, had hoped Ahmed would provide some rounds for the fighter, who had only three professional bouts at the time, but one punch was all it took.
`I worked in construction from a young age,` Berry explained regarding his power, `and maybe that`s where it comes from. I developed my strength early on. I was constantly on my feet, lifting heavy things all day. I suppose that explains it.`
It might also be genetic. His uncle, Dennis Berry, `Bad Boy,` had a reputation for significant punching power.
Fighting at super-welterweight between 1993 and 2000, Dennis compiled a 17-10 record with some chilling knockout victories.
`He was a bit wild,` Nyall commented on his uncle, `but when he connected, opponents felt it.`
However, `Bad Boy` isn`t involved in Nyall`s boxing career, which is managed solely by Pegg, known for developing fighters like Sam Eggington.
Pegg noted that after five fights, Berry was showing even more potential than Eggington had at the same stage.
Like Eggington, Berry is bouncing back from a loss. He has won all three fights since being dominated over eight rounds by skilled Italian Francesco De Rosa in Coventry last June. Berry attributed that defeat to being `too gung-ho.`
`These things happen,` shrugged Berry, an amateur Development Championship winner with Eastside before turning pro in 2022.
He`s won all three since and is scheduled for a six-rounder in Cannock on Sunday, May 25.
Berry intends to compete at 118lbs.
`I was 120lbs when I won the English title,` he stated, looking ahead to his fight on Scott Murray`s event at Bar Sport. `I made the weight easily.`
He won the St George`s belt decisively.
`He [Frimpong] caught me and thought he could finish me,` Berry recalled. `I remained composed under pressure, blocked and evaded, and when I saw the chance, I unleashed the uppercut.`
Berry added, `I learned a great deal from that fight I lost. If I hadn`t experienced that, I might have panicked [against Frimpong].`
Berry is now poised to deploy his powerful punches in the 118lbs division, emphasizing the need to ascend the rankings quickly.
`This is a make or break year,` Berry declared.
`It`s tough trying to make it work financially, and it`s mentally challenging too. That`s just life, isn`t it?`
`I have a child, and it`s difficult balancing that with training full-time.`
`I`m realistic, and I`ve asked myself: `If this isn`t going anywhere, what`s the point?`
