60 Seconds: Sam Cox, a bantamweight with boxing in the blood

When and why you started boxing:
I started from a young age because I come from a big boxing family. My grandad, Bill Cox Snr, was the ABA secretary, while my dad, Bill Cox Jnr, is a leading AIBA official. On my mumโ€™s side, my uncle, Alan Coveley, and my cousin, Gary Coveley, both represented England as boxers.

Favourite all-time fighter:
Vasyl Lomachenko for his amateur achievements and Floyd Mayweather for being a total boxer and businessman.

Best fight you’ve seen:

I was one of the flag-bearers at the 2012 Olympics in London, so I got to see the likes of Lomachenko, Anthony Joshua, Katie Taylor and many more box in the flesh.

Personal career highlight:

As an amateur I reached national finals and won London titles, but itโ€™s hard to top boxing at the O2 Arena on a big Matchroom card as a professional.

Toughest opponent:

As a pro, Iโ€™d have to say my most recent opponent in September โ€“ Steven Maguire [w pts 6]. He just kept coming.

Best and worst attributes as a boxer:

My strengths are my boxing IQ, ringcraft and movement. Iโ€™m learning to let my hands go more, such as throwing more than three or four punches at once.

Training tip:
Work hard and donโ€™t give in when times are tough.

Favourite meal/restaurant:
A curry at Mr India in Sheerness.

Best friends in boxing:

Sam Bezzina. We met at Repton Boxing Club nearly 15 years ago and now heโ€™s my coach.

Other sportsman you would like to be:
Iโ€™d be a footballer because the rewards are so high.

Last film/TV show you saw:

I love the series, Power.

Who would play you in a film of your life:
A young Robert De Niro. Thereโ€™s no better actor. 

Have you ever been starstruck:
When I met David Beckham on a school trip to his football academy when I was 12.

Last time you cried:
I cried this week because of how much I miss my mum, whoโ€™s passed away. I just want to make her proud.

Best advice received:

โ€˜Shut up and get on with it!โ€™ That was from the legendary trainer, Mickey May.

Worst rumour about yourself:
That Iโ€™m 6ft. Iโ€™m only 5ft 6ins!

Something not many people know about you:
I like taking three-hour baths โ€“ just me alone with my thoughts.


FAST FACTS

Age: 25

Twitter: n/a

Nickname: n/a

Height: 5ft 6ins

Nationality: English

From: Islington

Stance: Orthodox

Record: 5-0 (1)

Division: Bantamweight

Titles: n/a

Next fight: Cox is next likely to be out in February.

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