When and why you started boxing:
I started for fitness. I signed up for a white collar fight on a whim. I’d signed up because I’d tried to do marathons and not trained so I thought if I was going to get punched in the face I’d probably end up training, which I did. I was 29.
Favourite all-time fighter:
I love Claressa Shields. She’s incredible, I really like her body shots as well. And she doesn’t give a s**t. She just does her thing and people hate her, people like her, people respect her. The men get away with it so why can’t she?
Best fight you’ve seen:
There’s so many, I can’t choose.
Personal career highlight:
Winning the England Boxing Elite championship, that was beyond my wildest dreams. I’ve never had a happier day in boxing. It was the best thing ever. I never thought that would happen for me. I’m still the national champ at the moment because there haven’t been any Elites.
Toughest opponent:
Probably Skye Nicolson. Her style really frustrated me.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My worst attribute is I’m really, really negative on myself. So it makes it difficult sometimes because I think I’m losing when I’m actually wining. My best attribute is probably I’m so hard on myself because I always try harder and I’m always training to train harder.
Training tip:
Consistency is key. Just get in the gym every day and don’t give up.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I love any restaurant in Edgeware road. I love Lebanese food. Hummus is my downfall.
Best friends in boxing:
Numan [Hussain, her husband], Masood Abdullah, Natty Ngwenya, but I’ve got so many friends in boxing. I just think it’s an amazing community and particularly the girls I’ve met.
Other sportsperson you would like to be:
I would like to be a snowboarder.
Last film/TV show you saw:
Start Up on Netflix.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
I don’t know, someone who didn’t mind getting punched in the face.
Have you ever been starstruck:
Yes, absolutely, Judi Dench. I’m an absolute fangirl. I used to be a journalist so I once interviewed her. It was the worst interview anyone has ever written. I was so starstruck.
Last time you cried:
All the time. Probably yesterday. And when my fight fell through I cried.
Best advice received:
Don’t listen to other people.
Worst rumour about yourself:
Probably loads but I don’t really know them though.
