Pat Brown set to take inspiration from Wayne Rooney ahead of Olympic debut

By Paul Martin

Manchester United fanatic Pat Brown revelled in a pre-Olympic pep talk from Wayne Rooney as part of his Paris preparations.

The heavyweight, 24, is part of the six-strong British boxing squad heading across the Channel this summer and a recent training session featured a visit from United’s all-time leading scorer.

Rooney famously made a seismic impact during his first taste of a major tournament 20 years ago and Brown hopes to match it this summer as he bids to show the world what he can do.

“Having Wayne Rooney here was surreal, as a big United fan,” he said. “It was great to see him, he’s a lovely man.

“He’s into his boxing, he knows his stuff, so it was great to have him watching us and we had a nice chat afterwards.

“There were so many of us in the gym, we didn’t have loads of time with him one-on-one, he was observing our training.

“But we picked up on the things he said and it’s always good to hear from a legend like him. Even his calmness in front of camera, he knows the right things to say at the right time, which all plays a part when you start getting big in your sport.”

Boxing is known for its bravado but Brown is hoping to fly under the radar in the French capital.

He secured his spot at a qualifier in March having only been part of the GB Boxing set-up for two years.

“I’ve always had that inner belief and vision,” he said. “Me and my dad have always believed and if other people have been quite shocked, that’s good.

“Anyone who doubts me, I always prove them wrong. I like coming in without anyone knowing me.”

Brown is set to benefit from Aldi’s Nearest & Dearest programme in Paris. The initiative helps maximise support and minimise potential distractions for athletes so that they can focus on their performance and make the most of the unique opportunity to compete on one of the world’s largest stages.

He is the first Olympian to come out of the illustrious Sale West ABC, which used to welcome Ricky Hatton through its doors, while he now represents Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club.

“I’ve got loads of friends and family coming over, it’s a really good community in Sale and they really get behind you,” he said.

“There will be a lot of noise around the ring when I’m in there.

“My dad is over the moon but he is still hard on me as he doesn’t want me to take my eyes off the prize, not that I would do.”

The ultimate prize is one which has not been won by a Brit in Brown’s weight category since 1920 – and the prospect of changing that record is a tantalising one.

“I am very confident, I know my opponents and their styles,” added Brown, who will turn professional after the Olympics.

“I believe if I bring my A-Game, I beat all of them.”

Aldi are proud Official Partners of Team GB & ParalympicsGB, supporting all athletes through to Paris 2024