Maiva Hamadouche: ‘I’ll always fight until the end, no matter what’

Maiva Hamadouche

When and why you started boxing:
I was 14 when I started. I loved football, but I wanted a more physical sport. I went to the gym and fell in love with boxing.

Favourite all-time fighter:
Mike Tyson because of his aggression and strength. His knockouts were awesome. He was a destroyer.

Best fight you’ve seen:
If you want to learn about the science of boxing, the two Canelo Alvarez-Gennady Golovkin fights are perfect to watch.

Personal career highlight:
I’m proud of the fact that I’ve won 17 of my fights by knockout/stoppage.

Toughest opponent:
The night before I faced Milena Koleva the first time [in January 2017], I was really unwell. I was so tired in that fight, but I still managed to win [via ninth-round stoppage].

Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attribute is my strong mind; I only think about getting the victory. My worst attribute is my impatience; I always want to fight!

Training tip:
Consistency and regularity are key.

Favourite meal/restaurant:
My favourite restaurant is Buffalo Grill. There are lots of them in France. They do good grilled meat and good ice cream.

Best friends in boxing:
My best friends in boxing are my sparring partners, because they help me to prepare for my fights.

Other sportsperson you would like to be:
The four-time Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast, Simone Biles. Despite her very difficult personal life, she managed to overcome everything and be the best.

Last film/TV show you saw:
Creed. The film had a beautiful story and a good soundtrack.

Who would play you in a film of your life:
Me!

Have you ever been starstruck:
Someone who I would be starstruck meeting is Usain Bolt. I’m a big fan of the way he has always handled himself.

Last time you cried:
I really can’t remember.

Best advice received:
Don’t worry about whether or not you’re better than your opponent. Just go out there and prove that you are.

Worst rumour about yourself:
That I’m a difficult fighter to train. That’s not true. I just know what I want.

Something not many people know about you:
I’ll always fight until the end, no matter what.

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