60 second interview: Sonny Taylor

Sonny Taylor

When and why you started boxing:
I was 10 when I started. My grandparents used to talk about fights from back in the old days, which made me really want to box.

Favourite all-time fighter:
I really like Jack Dempsey. I even named my dog after him! But my favourite has to be Miguel Cotto – a box-fighter who always brought war.

Best fight you’ve seen:
I went to watch Oleksandr Usyk against Mairis Briedis in Riga, Latvia. The atmosphere was unreal and it was non-stop action from start to finish.

Personal career highlight:
Passing the brain scan! I’ve only just started out as a pro, so the best is yet to come.

Toughest opponent:
Myself! Training is the hardest thing about boxing – I love the fighting part. Sometimes I have to battle myself into getting out on the road for running.

Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I can mix it up with angles and quick hands, but I often get drawn into a fight too easily.

Training tip:
Even a bad session is better than time spent at home, so stick it out.

Favourite meal/restaurant:
I love my food! It’s got to be a burger! I had an awesome elk burger in a gastro pub, but you can’t beat a Nando’s.

Best friends in boxing:
My coach [Seb Glazer] and my brother. Although I’d like to punch them both!

Other sportsman you would like to be:
Lewis Hamilton. He goes fast in a car!

Last film/TV show you saw:
I’ve just started watching [TV series] Ray Donovan.

Who would play you in a film of your life:
I’d play myself – I’ll need a career after boxing!

Have you ever been starstruck:
I met David Price the other day. I was sparring at his gym and went to fist bump him but completely missed.

Last time you cried:
Watching Mighty Joe Young in Malta when I was nine. That film gets me every time!

Best advice received:
Dodge ‘em!

Worst rumour about yourself:
I like to think that everyone says nice things about me. If they don’t, it’s none of my business.

Something not many people know about you:
Due to the power of social media my life is an open book.

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