In order to devote all of his attention to prepare for his bout against undefeated Liverpudlian contender Jack McGann at Knockout Chaos in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday night, The Medway Mauler resigned from his position as a digger.
It paid off in the opening round when he downed his opponent with a powerful right punch. Although the opponent got back up, the referee judged him unfit to continue.
Since McGann was the obligatory challenger for the British title, he was in the unique position of knowing who his next opponent would be going into the fight.
Supported by stars Tom Hardy and Stephen Graham, the former mixed martial arts fighter was scheduled to face Sam Gilley in July for the vacant title.
But Greene’s aspirations were dashed by a stunning knockout, and he will now get the opportunity to exact revenge for losing to Gilley by unanimous decision last October.
In the ring after the bout, he said to Ariel Helwani, “I gave up employment for this.”
“I took any work that fit around [my training], supported my family, and allowed me to continue fighting for a life.
I absolutely quit my job to come here and perform for you.
“I was prepared to carry it out. I had confidence the entire week. My brother just won a few grand on me since he gambled on this round, and I’m not a big gambler.
“In the shantytown where we reside, I was digging holes and installing water mains with my friend George, who is seated there. When I return, guys, the place will be packed with alcohol.
Greene, who became pro at 17-4, attributed his success to his family for keeping him from going in the wrong direction.
“My dad and I come from nothing,” he continued. Nothing at all!
“I was a bad child with a working-class background. My dad is a postman and he stood by me while I was on my way to prison.
“My dad and I are sharing everything right now.
“Words cannot express how it feels.
“I feel as though I owe my life to my son, whom I had when I was sixteen years old.
