When and why you started boxing:
I always wanted to box growing up but was reluctant to let [American] football or baseball go. I finally decided to start boxing at 19.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Mike Tyson was must-see TV. He saved boxing in that era.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez I. Their styles were tailor-made for each other.
Personal career highlight:
Winning the WBC United States Silver welterweight title by stopping Sadam Ali [in three rounds] on the Canelo Alvarez-Daniel Jacobs undercard in May.
Toughest opponent:
Juan Rodriguez Jnr, who I fought in March [w rsf 6]. I hate southpaws! I feel like every time I hit him I hurt him, but he just wouldn’t stay down. I dropped him twice and ultimately the ref had to save him from himself.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My strengths are my conditioning and my chin. I throw a lot of punches and in order to do that you have to be in shape.
Training tip:
Run a lot and put those miles in because boxing is one sport that you can’t cheat. If you try to cheat it then it’ll show come fight night.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
Chicken Alfredo is my favourite dish. I don’t have a favourite restaurant.
Best friends in boxing:
Andre Ward and Tevin Farmer – two different personalities but two very genuine people.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
Stephen Curry – the golden child of the NBA.
Last film/TV show you saw:
Avengers: Endgame. I’m a big Marvel movie fan.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
I think Larenz Tate would fit my character perfectly. He’s a very good actor who deserves a lot more credit than he gets.
Have you ever been starstruck:
No, I’ve never been starstruck.
Last time you cried:
It was at a funeral of a family member. Just seeing how it affected everyone around me made me get a little emotional.
Best advice received:
Be married to the sport because you can’t cheat boxing and it’s a dangerous occupation.
Worst rumour about yourself:
That I’m stuck-up and conceited.
Something not many people know about you:
That I’m black, Puerto Rican and Mexican.
