He’s the level-headed, Leicester boxing sensation, with the European Super-bantamweight title to his name and the boxing world at his feet. But

Rendall Munroe is used to trashing more than just his opponents in the ring…

“I still like to be classed as an ordinary guy. I don’t have to go to work, but I do as I really enjoy being a binman. It fits in well alongside my boxing and I’m proud of what I do.”

Refuse collection isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of top class sport, but for the likeable Munroe, it’s a part of his life that he clearly doesn’t want to let go of just yet.

“As long as they’ll have me I’d like to continue working. Obviously, if sponsors get involved and advise me to stop that might be different, but I’d be more than happy to be a World champion boxing binman!”

Such a concept, however peculiar, may not be that far away. The highly rated Spaniard, Kiko Martinez, was despatched back in March to secure the European Super-bantamweight crown for Munroe and the title was successfully defended when Salem Bouaita was halted in the seventh round.

“Now is the time that I want to show people just how good I am. I’m number one in Britain, number one in Europe and number six in the World. I can’t wait to show the fans what I’ve got.”

That wait won’t be long, as Munroe faces thirty-one year old Armenian, Arsen Martirosian, at the Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre, Nottingham, on Friday September 5th.

“I really hope that this next opponent is going to come out and go for the title, as Bouaita was just there for a pay day, which is as frustrating for me as it is for the punters,” explained the determined Munroe.

So how has the tactical preparation been going for the second defence of his title, against a relatively unknown opponent?

“I leave that down to my trainer. We watch videos of the opponent and look for strengths and weaknesses, but at the end of the day it’s more important to ensure that you perform to the best of your abilities on the night.”

With the added attention and interest in Munroe’s fortunes now evident, is there a risk that he could lose focus and begin to believe his own hype?

“When I started boxing at the age of 14, I set out to be a World champion and the road seems to be going that way for me at the minute. It’s a great feeling, but I say to people that I want to be known as the same Rendall Munroe that I’ve always been, regardless of the spotlight.”

And there’s no reason not to believe him. The father of two is as devoted to his career as he is to those that are close to him.

“It’s hard for my girlfriend as I’m hardly ever at home and she has a lot to do to look after the kids. Plus, I have three or four kits to wash every day, which drives her mad! My dad is proud of my achievements and he used to be a boxer, but gave it up for me and my brother, as he put his family first. I owe it to them to make it as a World champion.”

But surely, given the nature of the sport, it’s not all Mr Nice Guy?

“There’s a time to show attitude and a time to be reserved. When SKY tell you it’s time for the weigh-in you can’t stand there and say ‘alright mate, how you doing?’ You need to put on a show and it can work. My definition shows that I’m quite cut up and if they take one look at me there’s a chance they might think again.”

Indeed, opponents would be well advised to do so as it seems that stepping in to the ring is all the motivation that Munroe needs to show his mettle.

“I can handle people shouting abuse at me, racist remarks, anything like that, but if they belittle me or my boxing ability then it’s time to get it on.”

Behind the bravado, however, is the story of a committed individual, with an addictive personality, which is channelled towards self-improvement and the goal of being the best in the World.

“I’m at Greens gym every day to train, run and have a sauna. I get up early to do my binman role, or refuse collector, as they keep telling me to say! Then I head off to Alfreton and train for a couple of hours. It’s a hard but rewarding life and if you want to reach the top you simply can’t shy away from the hard work.”

Now that he has a reputation that has spread across Europe, has the Leicester southpaw ever been tempted to spread his wings to brighter lights and the lure of London?

“No, not at all. I love the city, I’m very comfortable here and the support from the local community really inspires me. I owe a lot to the likes of Greens who let me train for free and Harry Singh at Sugars, who provides me with nutritional products, which are essential as I’m training so much.”

For Munroe, it’s not just about those that have directly aided his meteoric rise. Becoming engaged with the local community is something he sees as a prerequisite of his profession.

“I want to give something back to the people of Leicester. I recently gave out awards at two schools, Millgate and Ellesmere, which gave me a real thrill. Heart is always worth more than money and I want people to know that I care.”

It is that relationship with sports fans in Leicestershire, especially youngsters who look up to the likes of Munroe, which gives him obvious satisfaction.

“The other day I heard a young lad whispering to his mates about me and they were insisting that it wasn’t me. I called him over, signed one of the photos that I carry around with me and he went off with the biggest smile. That’s what makes being involved in sport worthwhile.”

And what of Rendall’s own boxing heroes and their influences on his technique?

“I loved Mike Tyson and Marvin Hagler’s styles. Tyson would get in there, no messing about and would get the job done. Hagler was a southpaw, if he needed to box, he’d box, if he needed to fight, he’d fight. I also admired the sheer ability of Floyd Mayweather.”

For someone who is constantly active and thrives on his energy-sapping training regime, does he ever find the time to relax?

“Not very often! I do love to watch my oldest boy play football. He was in Derby County’s academy and is moving to Leicester’s for this season. Otherwise, I get grief from the missus for spending too long on YouTube watching old boxing videos!”

In Rendall ‘Two-tone’ Munroe, a jovial self-proclaimed reference to his mixed race, Leicester has a genuinely talented boxer to get behind, who is on the verge of greatness.