When and why you started boxing:
I was eight or nine when I started. My older brother was already involved in the sport.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Vasyl Lomachenko. His ring craft is amazing.
Best fight you’ve seen:
I’ve only recently started studying the pro game. Before this, I mainly concentrated on the amateurs. So that’s a tough one to answer.
Personal career highlight:
Winning the World Golden Gloves in Washington, D.C as an amateur in 2013.
Toughest opponent:
Back in my amateur days, I boxed a tough Ukrainian [Oleg Neklyudov] at the 2012 European Under-23 Championships in Russia. I lost 10-9 on points.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My biggest strength is my power. However, the downside is that I tend to rely on it, rather than using my boxing skills.
Training tip:
Small adjustments can make a big difference.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
Italian food is my go-to – carbs for energy! I’m still looking for some good restaurant recommendations now I’m in London.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
I admire athletes who have succeeded at the highest level, yet still manage to stay humble and give back. LeBron James and Andre Ward are good examples.
Last film/TV show you saw:
I’ve watched some documentaries on Netflix recently, such as Fyre and The Ted Bundy Tapes.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
I’d like to say Tom Hardy, but with some of the situations that I’ve been in, I’m more like the guys from Step Brothers at times!
Have you ever been starstruck:
I’m more inspired by what people do in life, not just who they are.
Last time you cried:
I’ve had some hard times since moving to London [from Dubai]. It’s been tough being away from my friends and family.
Best advice received:
Sacrifice what you are now, for what you will become.
Worst rumour about yourself:
Someone said that I’ve been lying about my amateur record. They said that if I’d really boxed nearly 200 times, I’d be a world champ by now! Is there a faster route to a world title that I’ve missed?!
Something not many people know about you:
Two years ago, I was working a nine-to-five job, five days a week. One day at work, I just got up and left. Ever since then, I’ve taken the pro game much more seriously.
