When and why you started boxing:
Growing up I was bullied a bit. I was a scrawny kid and I wanted to build up some confidence and self-esteem, so that’s why I started boxing.
Favourite all-time fighter:
I’m a big fan of Erislandy Lara and Vasiliy Lomachenko, but my all-time favourite has got to be Muhammad Ali.
Best fight you’ve seen:
I really enjoyed the heavyweight scrap between Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora – the first one. That’s the most entertaining fight I’ve seen in person.
Personal career highlight:
When I think about walking out for my pro debut it still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
Toughest opponent:
Denzel Bentley. I fought him in the amateurs and he’s obviously the British middleweight champion now as a pro. He had a similar style to me but I used lateral movement and landed some big shots to beat him.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I’m quite quick and strong, but I don’t go for the finish enough when I have someone hurt.
Training tip:
Do your own work – don’t leave everything in your coaches’ hands.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
Grilled chicken with a hot marinade is my favourite food. In camp I have it with rice or salad. Out of camp I have it with chips.
Best friends in boxing:
My brothers and cousins – they’re all amateur boxers!
Other sportsperson you would like to be:
An MMA fighter. I do a bit of wrestling for my strength and conditioning. It’s a good workout.
Last film/TV show you saw:
I watched the Errol Spence Jnr-Danny Garcia Fight Camp documentary before their fight.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Jake Gyllenhaal. He’s my favourite actor.
Have you ever been starstruck:
Not really, but I was very excited when I saw James DeGale. I was 13 and he’d just won the Olympics.
Last time you cried:
I don’t really cry, but there was something in my eye when I went for a run this morning!
Best advice received:
My dad said to me a long time ago, ‘Have patience and pray to God.’
Worst rumour about yourself:
People make fake accounts of me on Tinder.
Something not many people know about you:
Most of the teeth in the front of my mouth are fake, because of the street fights I used to get into.
