Those sparring sessions with Fred really paid off for Austin Ventour.
You'll probably recognise Austin as one of the waiters from Channel 4 programme First Dates, where singletons are matched up on blind dates in the pursuit of love and the potential to go viral.
The reality show has become one of the most popular in Britain since it first aired in 2013 and while the dates themselves are what most people tune in for, the back and forth between the waiters and waitresses always makes for entertaining viewing.
Austin is one of the main members of the wait staff you will be accustomed to seeing, along with Sam Conrad, Laura Tott and Cici Coleman.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgRMpcClYm1/?hl=en&taken-by=austinventour
On Thursday night, Austin took to the ring for a White Collar Boxing event at York Hall and managed to stop his opponent in the third round after the referee had seen enough and opted to "save him from further punishment."
Having been put through his paces backstage by Irish Muay Thai superstar Shane O'Neill, Austin diligently listened to his instructions and while footage of the bout has not been released, it's safe to say that Ventour's dedicated training served him well.
To prepare for the contest, Ventour even sparred with Fred Sirieix, the famous maître d of the First Dates restaurant who has been a lifetime fan of boxing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgYNOp4FCnL/
"I love boxing, I really love it - what a sport. It's got everything. It's about the physical fitness, but also your mental fitness," Sirieix said two years ago.
Consider this a warning to anyone thinking of running out on the bill on First Dates...
https://twitter.com/fredsirieix1/status/979457872848449537
