Meet Sammy Cantwell

Sammy Cantwell

When and why you started boxing:
I didn’t walk into an amateur boxing gym until I was 21 years old. That was Danson ABC. Then I moved to Rumbles Boxing Academy.

Favourite all-time fighter:
The one and only “Prince” Naseem Hamed. He was unique – the power, speed, reflexes and showmanship.

Best fight you’ve seen:
Being at the M.E.N Arena at 2am to watch Ricky Hatton against Kostya Tszyu. It was a truly special night in British boxing history.

Personal career highlight:
Winning my professional debut [over four rounds against Norredine Dahou in June 2013]. Just coming through that was a dream for me.

Toughest opponent:
I’ve had some tough learning spars with a few world champions.

Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My main strength is my close-range work. My weakness is my lack of experience, as I never had many amateur bouts.

Training tip:
Take as much advice as you can get from experienced people in the game. Also, learn to listen to your body when you need a rest.

Favourite meal/restaurant:
Arments Pie & Mash in South London – unbelievable food!

Best friends in boxing:
I’m really close to a few people, but I’m closest to my manager Paul Speak and Ricky Hatton.

Other sportsperson you would like to be:
If he was still playing, I’d say David Beckham.

Last film/TV show you saw:
I’ve been watching Ozark on Netflix.

Who would play you in a film of your life:
Due to my lack of height, it’d have to be Danny DeVito!

Have you ever been starstruck:
Meeting David Beckham in the changing room on the night of Ricky Hatton’s fight with Paulie Malignaggi.

Last time you cried:
On August 29 last year when my second daughter was born.

Best advice received:
Always treat people how you’d like to be treated yourself.

Worst rumour about yourself:
Luckily enough I haven’t heard any so far. Although there’s probably loads floating about!

Something not many people know about you:
I received a police commendation award for stopping someone committing suicide by jumping off a bridge. I saw them when I was out on a run during training for one of my fights.

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