60 second interview: Jonathan Walsh

Jonathan Walsh

When and why you started boxing:
I started boxing at 14 to lose a bit of weight and keep myself busy. I had my first fight at 16, so quite late compared to most kids.

Favourite all-time fighter:
Manny Pacquiao because he’s exciting and explosive.

Best fight you’ve seen:
Julio Cesar Chavez against Meldrick Taylor was quality. Taylor was up on the cards but got stopped in the last two seconds.

Personal career highlight:
Winning the Haringey Box Cup in 2015.

Toughest opponent:
I boxed a few good kids in the amateurs. I beat Ibrahima Diallo on points in the Eindhoven Box Cup [in 2017]. He went to the Europeans last year. My fight with Kane Gardner for the North West Area belt was a war. I lost that one on points.

Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My determination is a big strength – I bite down on my gumshield and can fight a bit. My footwork is coming on well too. I’m a bit of a come-forward boxer. I can switch off sometimes after a punch, so I’m guilty of occasionally getting caught after landing one of my own.

Training tip:
Make sure you put in the hours, both in the gym and on the road.

Favourite meal/restaurant:
A big dirty rack of ribs!

Best friends in boxing:
Everyone at the Everton Red Triangle gym. We all boxed as amateurs together and now we’re pros – Harry Woods, Nick Ball, Brad Strand and Connor Butler.

Other sportsman you would like to be:
A football player, just to earn the best money. I used to play when I was younger. My team won the league most years.

Last film/TV show you saw:
I’ve been watching Top Boy recently.

Who would play you in a film of your life:
Alan out of The Hangover! No, I’d probably pick Leonardo DiCaprio.

Have you ever been starstruck:
Not really. I’ve met a few boxers but no one really famous.

Last time you cried:
When I was a kid probably.

Best advice received:
Hit and don’t get hit. Look after yourself, even in sparring. No one wants to come out of the sport punch-drunk.

Worst rumour about yourself:
I haven’t heard any yet.

Something not many people know about you:
When I played centre midfield for Prescot Cables FC, we won a tournament where we beat all of the other league winners from the area.

Share Page