Andrew Fairley spends 60 seconds with the Cramlington bulldozer
Why did you start boxing and how old were you?
I started boxing at 12 just as a keep fit thing. I was always fighting in school and I was no good in any other sport. I realised straight away I enjoyed getting punched in the face and we went from there.
Who is your favourite all-time fighter and why?
Mike Tyson. No pissing about just wanted to take people’s heads off. More recently I like Nick Ball as well.
What is the best fight you have seen, either live or on television?
Hearns-Hagler was a war.
What is your best achievement in boxing so far?
Winning my 2nd national title and 1st open class title. Just because I didn’t even believe in myself, I could do it at the time.
Who is the toughest opponent you’ve faced and why?
Giorgio Visioli in the semis of the ABAS, unbelievable feet. Couldn’t hit him with a handful of rice.
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a boxer?
My strength is probably my fitness and strength for the weight. I don’t leave people alone for two seconds. My weaknesses may be highlighted one day, but not today.
What is your best piece of advice for boxing training?
Consistency is key in everything you do.
What is your favourite meal and restaurant?
When I’m in camp I just find myself obsessing over anything sweet. Torturing myself watching Insta reels of chocolate, cakes, crepes, donuts. The morning after my fight I went to the dispensary in Newcastle for strawberry and Nutella french toast. It was banging.
Who are your best friends in boxing?
I’ve got loads of boxing pals, but I’d have to say the lads and coaches at Northumberland Fire and Rescue Boxing Academy. I spent my whole amateur career there.
Which other athlete would you like to be?
Any top darts player. Chucking darts, drinking pints and eating kebabs while making big money sound good to me.
What is the one thing you would change about professional boxing?
I’d probably change everyone’s mindset about this unbeaten record thing. Would be better to go back to a time when everyone fighting each other and fighting more regularly.
Which actor would play you in a film of your life?
It would have to be someone who could fight. Maybe Micheal Jai white. That works because he’s tall and handsome like me as well.
Have you ever been starstruck? If so, who was the star?
When I was 16, I went to Vegas and went to a Mike Tyson event at the MGM Grand. He talked through his life, and it was mad being a few metres away from him. He had some mental stories.
When was the last time you cried, and why?
I might have shed a single happy tear watching my brother get married on the beach in Mexico a couple of weeks ago. Think it was defo just hayfever to be honest!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
It’s not really advice but before a fight my old coach Tony used to get my head in the right place before my amateur fights by talking about everything we had done in training leading up to it. If you’ve honestly put the work in you have nothing to worry about, just go out there and enjoy it.
What is the worst rumour you have heard about yourself?
About five years ago someone made a fake Snapchat in my name pretending to be me. Then over the years it carried on and then I was getting messages of my name and photos all over all the different dating apps. Then they started messaging lasses in relationships and causing all sorts of bother. I still don’t know who it was who did that.
Tell us something not many people know about you.
In 46 fights, I’ve never been stopped or dropped.
Fast Facts:
Age: 24
Twitter: ConnorSamms1
Nickname: Chaos
Height: 5’6
Nationality: English
From: Cramlington
Stance: Orthodox
Record: 1-0
Division: Featherweight
Titles: Pending
