When and why you started boxing:
I started when I was 16. I’d always wanted to do it but was too scared to do it when I was a bit younger. I went down to Earlsfield when I was 16 and I didn’t look back.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Ricky Hatton. The first fight I can remember was when he boxed Eamonn Magee and he got put down in round one. From then it was always Ricky Hatton.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Omar Augustine vs Kola Koyejo from Stonebridge. That fight in the London finals, them two had an outrageous fight. I lost my voice, everything, it was wicked.
Personal career highlight:
Winning the Southern Area. A lot of people didn’t expect me to win that against Boy Jones. Everyone who didn’t know me was writing me off. That’s got to be my favourite.
Toughest opponent:
As a pro it’s got to be Craig Woodruff. He came out and taught me a lot about professional. I went into that a bit like I was just going to turn up and win, and he came out and smashed me to bits! The lessons that I learned from that were great, so I’m thankful that it happened.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best is my fitness. I can set a high pace. I think most of the opponents can’t live with that, and my worst is getting involved. I like a bit of a war and I neglect the attributes that I’ve got.
Training tip:
I’d say make sure you get your runs in. Fitness is everything.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I’d say Bodean’s. It’s outrageous.
Best friends in boxing:
Paul Simmons. We used to box together coming up at Earlsfield. I’ve known him 11 years and now he’s part of my coaching team. He’s like a big brother to me.
Other sportsperson you would like to be:
Probably Ronnie O’Sullivan, the things he can do on a snooker table are unbelievable.
Last film/TV show you saw:
Friends is literally on my TV right now.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
You know McLovin from Superbad [Christopher Mintz-Plasse], a lot of people say I look like him.
Have you ever been starstruck:
I haven’t but I think I would be if I saw Ricky Hatton.
Last time you cried:
I think last year, a close family friend died. I’m an emotional character but I don’t cry that often.
Best advice received:
My dad said to me life’s not a rehearsal, you only get one shot, make the most of it. Do whatever you want to do and do it 100%.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I don’t know, to be fair.
Something not many people know about you:
I was born premature. I was born at 29 weeks. Being six foot two now, I was born 11 weeks early. I was tiny.
