When and why you started boxing:
I started boxing just by going to a youth club with my cousin and my friend, I think I was about 14. I started for fitness, it was a youth club turning into an amateur gym. I went to that session and just loved it from there.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Male boxers, I appreciate a lot of different boxers. Out of female boxers I would definitely say Katie Taylor just because of what she’s done for the sport.
Personal career highlight:
I would say Commonwealth Games silver or getting on to team GB. I think the Commonwealth silver as well, because that wasn’t expected. I’d only had a handful of internationals so I’d say that.
Toughest opponent:
Mira Potkonen. I fought her a couple of times, then my last fight with her was in Madrid in the Europeans. I’d drawn her second. I actually lost on a split and I actually thought I won that fight. It was very, very close. I wouldn’t say for skill-wise, she’s quite strong, she doesn’t leave you alone and, with the wealth of experience she’s got, she knows how to win.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I’m a box-fighter, which you could say are my best and my worst attributes. I feel like I have got a very good jab but the same thing where I like to get involved and have a fight could be my worst attribute as well. Sometimes I can get involved too much.
Training tip:
I’d just say work smart. Because you can work hard, but if you’re not doing the right things then that can be a downfall as well. I’d say work smart.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
My mum’s Sunday roast.
Best friends in boxing:
My best friends on GB, who I still speak to now, are Tori [Ellis Willets] and Rosie [Eccles]. Just in general at my gym, Leicester Unity, we’re like one big family.
Other sportsperson you would like to be:
I just watched that Venus and Serena Williams film. From that I’d be one of them because again what they did for females and the things they had to overcome as well. I’d say they’re very inspirational sportspeople as well.
Last film/TV show you saw:
It was that, King Richard.
Have you ever been starstruck:
I don’t feel like I’m a person to get starstruck. I’ve met famous sportspeople at the Commonwealth Games, things like that. After that we went to the Sports Personality awards, met Tyson [Fury] as well. I’ve seen quite a lot of famous faces.
Last time you cried:
I can’t remember, to be honest.
Best advice received:
Just stay true to yourself. Don’t change yourself to fit into someone else’s world.
Something not many people know about you:
I played the cello for a few years.
