Age you started boxing:

I started boxing at the age of 13 and had my first amateur bout a year later, winning the City-Trophy Sofia at 48kgs for being the best technical boxer.

Favourite all-time fighter:

My father, Venkov Pulev, who was the Bulgarian heavyweight champion as an amateur.

First boxing memory:

Sparring my brother, [2012 Olympic heavyweight bronze medallist and current unbeaten pro cruiserweight] Tervel Pulev, who is two years younger than me.

Best attributes as a boxer:

I always stay fit and have a healthy lifestyle, as I train a lot and have a special diet as a boxer.

Best fight you’ve seen:

The WBC heavyweight title fight between Lennox Lewis and Vitali Klitschko from 2003 [declared a sixth-round stoppage victory for Lewis after a badly cut Klitschko was unable to continue].  

Last time you cried:

The last time I cried was when I was preparing a meal and chopping onions!

Last film you saw:

I watched The Wolf of Wall Street not too long ago. 

Who would play you in a film of your life:

I’d probably pick Russell Crowe.

Best friends in boxing:

[Pro middleweight] Marcos Nader and my brother, Tervel.

Which other sportsman would you like to be:

Lionel Messi is a fantastic football player.

Dream job:

Boxing was always my dream. I’ve never had any other jobs on my mind.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given:

It’s more of a blessing to give rather than to receive.

What’s the worst thing you’ve read about yourself:

That somebody had knocked me unconscious and hospitalised me.

Something not many people know about you:

I’m a superb kart racer.