Barnes, Moore and Murray – three titles in a week set to change boxing nutrition mindset?
If boxers, like armies, fight on their stomachs then David Barnes, Jamie Moore and John Murray are the living proofs of a radical new approach to boxing nutrition. All three won title fights (British light welterweight, Irish light middleweight and British lightweight respectively) in an eight day period and all three are using a training diet put together by sports nutritionist Kerry Kayes and his company CNP Professional.
During John Murray’s British lightweight crown victory over Lee Meager on 11th July 2008, the Sky Sports commentary team described Kayes as ‘the secret weapon’ in the boxer’s corner, adding "Kerry Kayes … made him look physically brilliant."
Kayes is probably best known as the man responsible for Ricky Hatton’s training diet – a tough challenge as the Mancunian fighter is renowned for his ballooning weight between fights. Hatton’s successes, in the face of seemingly overwhelming nutritional odds (from legendary breakfasts to beer fests) have certainly helped Kayes’ radical ideas gain a higher profile. Now his success with so many other boxers in the ring is beginning to alter the traditionalists’ boxing nutrition mindset.
The Kayes diet focuses on protein and hydration, combining plenty of water (typically four litres a day or more) with protein-based supplements, formulated and supplied by CNP. "Some boxing training diets reduce water intake," says Kayes. "It’s my belief that a boxer needs to increase his water consumption during training, to maintain a healthy balance.
"The extra protein is especially important. Boxers put their muscles through incredible trauma – protein is used by the body for muscle repair and growth. Supplements give boxers like Barnes, Murray and Moore the protein they need in a low calorie, easy to consume format and mean they can achieve and maintain their target weight without compromising fitness and stamina. Getting the required levels of protein from ordinary food would be impossible without eating so much that the boxer’s weight would rocket."
Given the number of successful boxers using CNP supplements, it’s no surprise that a growing number of people in the boxing worlds are studying Kayes’ radical diet. Other boxers using the Kayes diet include Olympic hopefuls Frankie Gavin and Joe Murray.
When Jamie Moore, who previously suffered from injury problems, won the recent Irish light middleweight title with a third round knockout he said: “Kerry’s programme has made a massive difference. I feel really good. My strength and stamina are improving daily." Meanwhile Ricky Hatton describes the CNP supplements as Kayes’ "super magic shakes".
Now Kayes is hoping his radical diet won’t be a ‘secret weapon’ for much longer – he spreads his message by visiting boxing clubs around the UK and holding sports nutrition seminars at his Betta Bodies gym in Denton, Manchester.
CNP Professional is one of the UK’s leading sports nutrition specialist companies. CNP supplements are available through high street outlets and via the CNP website www.cnpprofessional.co.uk
For sports nutrition advice athletes can call CNP on +44 (0) 161 320 1212 or, for sales call +44 (0) 161 320 8145.
CNP Professional is a leading supplier of sports nutrition supplements ranging from protein shakes, protein bars, creatine supplements, meal replacements, mass gainers, weight loss supplements and post work out shakes all designed for the ultimate in sports nutrition.
Kerry Kayes, the founder of CNP Professional, is a former national bodybuilding champion. He has been involved in sports nutrition for many years and his dietary expertise has established him as ‘the man in the know’ to sportspeople worldwide including boxer Ricky Hatton, Sean Long of St Helen’s RLFC and David Dunn of Blackburn Rovers.
CNP Professional supplements are carefully formulated to ensure that the body is able to make best use of the nutrients.
There are several articles explaining protein nutrition supplements on the CNP website – go to the home page and click on ‘nutrition’ under the articles section.