Nort Beauchamp (left) after a sparring session with WBA Strawweight Champion Knockout CP Freshmart (right) – Photo by Wasim Mather
Thai-based New Zealander Nort Beauchamp (19-7-1, 3 KO) faces a formidable challenge as he prepares to face Australia’s Jackson Jon England (16-3, 8 KO) on September 14, 2024 at challenging the Viaduct Events. Center in Auckland, New Zealand.
The showdown will take place on the undercard of the main event between New Zealand’s undefeated David Nyika (9-0, 8 KO) and seasoned American Tommy Karpency (31-8-1, 19 KO). Karpency stepped in on short notice after Blake Caparello (32-4-1, 13 KO) failed a drug test.
This bout promises to be intriguing as Jackson Jon England enters the fight fresh off a big win over former WBO super featherweight champion Jamel Herring (24-5, 12 KO). Meanwhile, Nort Beauchamp, a seasoned veteran of the sport, was in Thailand preparing his 19-year-old son for his professional debut when the call came to face England.
Born in Korat, in the northeastern part of Thailand, Beauchamp immigrated to New Zealand at a young age. He credits his Thai roots and upbringing for shaping his resilience and dedication to the sport. Over the years, Beauchamp established himself as a true road warrior in boxing, testing himself against top level opposition and never backing down from a challenge.
In Beauchamp’s most recent fight, he faced rising Australian prospect Youssef Dib (21-2, 11 KO), who suffered a fourth-round TKO loss. After the loss, the 38-year-old southpaw decided to retire and shift his focus to guiding his son’s budding professional career. Throughout his career, Beauchamp has tested himself against some of the top fighters, including fights with Brock Jarvis (18-1, 19 KO) and Sam Goodman (19-0, 8 KO). One of his career highlights was defeating Joel Brunker (34-4, 20 KO).
I sat down with seasoned southpaw Nort Beauchamp during his training camp in Thailand to discuss his unexpected return to the ring, what motivates him, and his plans for the future.
You had a great career with several high profile fights. What prompted your decision to come out of retirement, and why now?
“Retirement gave me a good time to think, review and refresh. I feel like the stars are aligned for this one. The drive is still there, my body is refreshed, and the huge opportunity to fight a world-class opponent in my own country, New Zealand, live on DAZN, gives me the perfect opportunity to make a statement. We are in great shape and ready for a winning performance.”
How do you feel your legacy in New Zealand boxing has developed, and what do you hope to achieve with this return?
“I started boxing late at 22. I feel I exceeded expectations by winning several amateur and professional titles. I expect to once again exceed expectations and cause a huge upset on September 14.”
Looking back on your career, what do you consider to be your most defining moment in the ring?
“Winning three titles in Australia, including defeating Joel Brunker, who was ranked seventh in the world (WBA) at the time.”
How does that moment affect your approach to this comeback?
“Being in big fights and facing top opposition, I’m no stranger to the big stage. Having that experience is a huge positive influence. Knowing that I am a proven champion and going into this fight with a winning mentality is the key to victory.”
How has your training program changed since retirement? Did you have to adjust your preparation for the time away from the ring?
“Training was great. I trained mostly at Elite Fight Club in Bangkok. I doubled my strength and conditioning, and immersing myself in a new environment with professional fighters on the same mission was refreshing. We couldn’t be happier with how this camp is going.”
Boxing has evolved since you last fought. What changes have you observed in the sport, particularly in the New Zealand boxing scene?
“Boxing in New Zealand has reached new heights – from Joseph Parker winning the world heavyweight championship to our rising star David Nyika, who is on his way to becoming a champion. We have world-class talent in New Zealand, and now we have the infrastructure to build even more champions. I believe New Zealand will be a powerhouse in the world of boxing.”
Jackson Jon England is a rising star. What do you see as its strengths and weaknesses, and how do you plan to counter them?
“He is a talented fighter. His strength is that he comes to fight and lets his punches go, but that is also his weakness. We are prepared, and we will meet him in the middle of the ring and attack him in the areas that have seen him lose three times before. I can’t give too much away, but expect action early.”
With so many young fighters making their mark, how do you see your role as a veteran in this fight?
“I am excited about the new wave of fighters and happy to train with them. There are definite advantages to being a veteran, such as experience and boxing IQ, and I plan to use that to my advantage in this fight.”
Do you feel a sense of responsibility to demonstrate the old-school approach?
“Yes, I take an old-school approach to my training. Hard work on repetition, no shortcuts, no miracles. In this fight, I added some new elements, and I can’t wait to show them off.”
What lessons have you learned from your time away from boxing, and how do you plan to apply those lessons in this comeback?
“Having time to get back into my training routine allowed me to adapt and maximize my performance. We know how to win this battle, and we’ve been training to deliver that winning performance.”
Each fighter has a unique story. What part of your story do you feel has been overlooked, and how would you like people to remember Nort Beauchamp?
“Probably the fact that I started late and still had success, which is rare in my weight division. I want to be remembered as a real fighter—someone who fought anyone, anytime, anywhere, at any weight.”
Is this fight a one-off comeback, or do you see yourself continuing to fight beyond this fight?
“I never look past the opponent in front of me. After the fight we will do a proper analysis and take the right decision.”
What factors will influence that decision? After this fight, win or lose, what’s next for Nort Beauchamp?
“One thing’s for sure—I’ll still be involved in boxing, whether it’s fighting or helping lead the next generation. Boxing is in my blood, and the gym is my refuge.”
Are there any specific goals or aspirations you still want to achieve in or out of the ring?
“I am blessed to have already built my gym, businesses and real estate ventures. But even though I still fight, I know my value in boxing lies within my community. I will make sure that I give back to future generations what boxing has given me—times 100.”
