When and why you started boxing:
I started training at five years of age. My dad [Dean Sugden] was a kickboxer and had a gym, so I got involved naturally.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Muhammad Ali, not just because of his achievements in the ring but because of the way he fought against the odds for his beliefs. He’s the best role model in boxing.
Best fight you’ve seen:
The first Diego Corrales-Jose Luis Castillo fight was great. I love watching fighters who can really dig deep.
Personal career highlight:
My win against Luke Blackledge [pts 8 – July 2019], as it really put me in the mix at light-heavyweight.
Toughest opponent:
I think the toughest is yet to come! But Blackledge kept coming again and again throughout the fight.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My strengths are my ability to adapt, my speed and my composure. My weakness is my appetite. I love good food!
Training tip:
Don’t take shortcuts in training, as in the ring there’s no shortcuts.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
Nando’s is the one! I get medium-spice chicken thighs with spicy rice, coleslaw, a side of halloumi and five hot wings.
Best friends in boxing:
I’ve got a few, including my brothers [Regis and Bailey Sugden], Fergus Taylor, Jamie Cox and Gary Mayor.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
One of the heavyweights because they don’t have to make a weight limit! I wouldn’t mind a frame like Anthony Joshua’s.
Last film/TV show you saw:
I’ve just been watching Ozark. It’s definitely worth a watch.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Tom Hardy.
Have you ever been starstruck:
I was starstruck when I met Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas. It took me by surprise as I never thought I would be.
Last time you cried:
When I watched Ricky Gervais’ After Life series I cried tears of both kinds.
Best advice received:
I like this quote: ‘Most of the greatest achievements have been accomplished by people who kept trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.’
Worst rumour about yourself:
I once read that I wasn’t big enough for light-heavyweight because I was just a fat super-middleweight. It made me chuckle!
Something not many people know about you:
I’m decent at drawing and art.
