When and why you started boxing:
I started boxing at 14 to lose a bit of weight and keep myself busy. I had my first fight at 16, so quite late compared to most kids.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Manny Pacquiao because he’s exciting and explosive.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Julio Cesar Chavez against Meldrick Taylor was quality. Taylor was up on the cards but got stopped in the last two seconds.
Personal career highlight:
Winning the Haringey Box Cup in 2015.
Toughest opponent:
I boxed a few good kids in the amateurs. I beat Ibrahima Diallo on points in the Eindhoven Box Cup [in 2017]. He went to the Europeans last year. My fight with Kane Gardner for the North West Area belt was a war. I lost that one on points.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My determination is a big strength – I bite down on my gumshield and can fight a bit. My footwork is coming on well too. I’m a bit of a come-forward boxer. I can switch off sometimes after a punch, so I’m guilty of occasionally getting caught after landing one of my own.
Training tip:
Make sure you put in the hours, both in the gym and on the road.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
A big dirty rack of ribs!
Best friends in boxing:
Everyone at the Everton Red Triangle gym. We all boxed as amateurs together and now we’re pros – Harry Woods, Nick Ball, Brad Strand and Connor Butler.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
A football player, just to earn the best money. I used to play when I was younger. My team won the league most years.
Last film/TV show you saw:
I’ve been watching Top Boy recently.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Alan out of The Hangover! No, I’d probably pick Leonardo DiCaprio.
Have you ever been starstruck:
Not really. I’ve met a few boxers but no one really famous.
Last time you cried:
When I was a kid probably.
Best advice received:
Hit and don’t get hit. Look after yourself, even in sparring. No one wants to come out of the sport punch-drunk.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I haven’t heard any yet.
Something not many people know about you:
When I played centre midfield for Prescot Cables FC, we won a tournament where we beat all of the other league winners from the area.
