Daily Echo columnist Chris Billam-Smith writes about the time away from his family, dealing with pre-fight nerves and pigging out on pizza!

I imagine we were all sat waiting patiently last Sunday at 7pm for Boris to announce whether we could go hug our family and loved ones.

Not just yet.

I can’t wait to go and see my mum, brothers and my nieces. I’m sure everyone can relate and probably felt a bit deflated after Sunday’s announcement but at least things are looking up with a few changes.

As of Wednesday, beaches and parks were now ‘open’ for exercise permitted more than once a day. Hopefully, the weather stays good so I can at least get some free vitamin D and a tan!

For myself, there is talk I may be going back to training at the beginning of June, providing our facility and the government allows us.

This was a big boost for me this week, as I really miss hitting the pads, gym banter and even the dreaded Wednesday circuit with the boys (I won’t be saying that halfway through the first one back!).

I had a few questions sent in this week, so thank you to those who got in touch!

Do you ever get pre-fight nerves? From Archie Roe.

Yeah of course! I believe the nerves are good and bring out the best in most boxers.

Nerves are usually a form of fear. Fear of not performing, fear of not winning etc.

Mike Tyson once said something which sums it up very well: “Fear is your best friend or your worst enemy. It’s like fire.

“If you can control it, it can cook for you, it can heat your house. If you can’t control it, it will burn everything around you and destroy you.”

Just remember, whatever your sport, you train to perform. Be nervous but learn to enjoy it!

What’s one thing you can’t live without? From Sam Tucker.

This lockdown has taught me that I can’t live without exercise.

I’ve always done it for a physical benefit, for sport through my whole life. I never realised how much it affected me mentally.

Exercise is so important, so anyone out there who is struggling mentally, go for a jog or walk – or do some yoga or whatever it may be. Even 15-20 minutes per day will help.

This last one has a story to it, as it was from my mate Ben Hatch – the man who I pitch invaded at Cherries with dressed as Tweety and Sylvester!

He asks, what is the fastest time you could eat a large Dominos pizza in?

I did it – in three minutes, 19 seconds!

Not my prettiest moment. But a story that has been shared by the ones who were present, all over the world.

Why did I do it? We were at Ben’s family home around 2011, I think. We’d ordered our pizzas and as we were waiting for them, I asked the lads how quick they thought they could eat one.

“Eight minutes,” one said, another said “six at the quickest.” Me being a seriously quick eater and super-competitive person, said: “No way, I reckon I could do it in three.” I knew full well what was coming next… “Go on then!”

Pizzas arrived, stopwatch was set up, using the trusty £7.99 Casio! Dips and box opened. We’re off!

Slice, dip, big bite, dip, big bite, dip, last bite, repeat. Three bites a slice, maximum.

Was pretty pleased with my pace. Slice two or three though, I noticed hadn’t waited long enough for it to cool down and burnt the top of my mouth, an injury that would give me grief for the weeks ahead!

I would’ve done it quicker had it been a bit cooler. Maybe next time.

P.S. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.

Thanks for your questions. If anyone wants to ask any for next week, contact below.

Email: sport@bournemouthecho.co.uk

Instagram/Twitter: @ChrisBillam

Stay strong everyone, we’re getting there!

Peace out,

CBS.