When and why you started boxing:
I’d always been a big fan of the sport, but I didn’t lace the gloves up until I was 21 years old. I just wanted to improve my fitness, but then I got hooked.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Pernell Whitaker is my favourite fighter ever.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Diego Corrales-Jose Luis Castillo I. That 10th round is one you could never get bored of watching!
Personal career highlight:
When I outpointed Edward Bjorklund over eight rounds [in February 2018] at the Village Hotel in Bury. I couldn’t have asked for a better venue than my full-time workplace.
Toughest opponent:
Craig Derbyshire [l rsf 5 – September 2018], who I fought for the Central Area bantamweight title. He’s massively underrated and hits like a mule.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attributes are my fitness and awkward southpaw style. My worst is that I like a scrap and can get dragged into a war.
Training tip:
Don’t overtrain! This is some advice that I should listen to!
Favourite meal/restaurant:
It’d have to be a Domino’s Pizza.
Best friends in boxing:
All of the lads at The People’s Gym in Heywood. We’re like a family there.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
No one in particular. I’d just like to play football for Manchester City.
Last film/TV show you saw:
I’m into watching [TV series] Power with the wife at the minute.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
That’s a tough one! It’d have to be someone good like Mark Wahlberg.
Have you ever been starstruck:
I can’t say that I’ve ever been starstruck. Meeting Sugar Ray Leonard and Evander Holyfield at work was a good experience, though.
Last time you cried:
When my daughter was born.
Best advice received:
Always back yourself, even when no one else does!
Worst rumour about yourself:
I can’t think of any. The lads usually just give me stick to my face!
Something not many people know about you:
Back when I was about 17 or 18, I used to weigh over 14 stone.
