Nathan Heaney remembers the only time he’s been outclassed

Nathan Heaney

When and why you started boxing:
My dad got me into boxing at nine years old. He was a former boxer himself and he wanted me to be able to look after myself.

Favourite all-time fighter:
Growing up it was Joe Calzaghe. He was just a brilliant fighter. More recently Iโ€™ve gone old school with Julio Cesar Chavez. How he broke down his opponents so economically was amazing. He was fantastic defensively too.

Best fight youโ€™ve seen:
Itโ€™s got to be the first Arturo Gatti-Micky Ward fight. The commentary alongside it from Jim Lampley, Larry Merchant and Emanuel Steward was the icing on the cake.

Personal career highlight:
Signing with Frank Warrenโ€™s Queensberry Promotions.

Toughest opponent:
The only time I remember being totally outclassed was in the Junior ABAs when I boxed a lad from Lions ABC called James Fisher. Man, that lad could box! I learned a lot from the schooling he gave me and it never happened to me again.

Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My strengths are my footwork, hand speed and shot selection. I used to get involved in scraps in the ring, but Iโ€™ve learned to control that a lot as a professional.

Training tip:
Be consistent with what you do and build up that aerobic engine. Interval training is important, but itโ€™d be a big mistake to neglect your steady-state roadwork.

Favourite meal/restaurant:
A lamb pasanda curry at the Blue Tiffin in Stoke-on-Trent. That place is special!

Best friends in boxing:
My teammates, Luke Caci, Cole Johnson and Atal Khan. Another very good friend is my coach, Steve Woodvine.

Other sportsman you would like to be:
A professional footballer. Get me on the wing for Stoke City!

Last film/TV show you saw:
Gangs of London. Gruesome stuff!

Who would play you in a film of your life:
Jim Carrey.

Have you ever been starstruck:
I once sparred Frankie Gavin years ago in preparation for the ABAs when I was boxing for Rotunda ABC in Liverpool. He was an idol of mine.

Last time you cried:
Watching E.T. He just wanted to get home!

Best advice received:
If a jobโ€™s worth doing, itโ€™s worth doing right.

Worst rumour about yourself:
I havenโ€™t got a clue. Iโ€™m sure there must be something!

Something not many people know about you:
Iโ€™m a sports teacher at Stafford College.

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