Skip to main content
Boxing News
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Features
  • Schedule
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Features
  • Fight Schedule
  • Current Champions

Follow us

  • YouTube YouTube
  • Instagram Instagram
  • Twitter / X Twitter
  • Facebook Facebook

© 2013—2025 Boxing News

Magazine

From Box Up Crime to professional boxing, meet Franklin Ignatius

Paul Wheeler talks to Franklin Ignatius, a big fan of James ‘Lights Out’ Toney

Paul Wheeler

7th October, 2020

From Box Up Crime to professional boxing, meet Franklin Ignatius

When and why you started boxing:
I started boxing at [social youth organisation] Box Up Crime, but my first amateur club was Golden Gloves in Liverpool. I started there when I was 18 years old, as a way to get fit and confident. I was very introverted as a kid.

Favourite all-time fighter:
James Toney. He had great defensive skills in combination with a ruthless instinct and braggadocio. He was never in a boring fight and to me he represented what being a fighter is all about.

Best fight you’ve seen:
James Toney against Evander Holyfield. Both fighters had their moments, but overall it was a boxing lesson from ‘Lights Out’.

Personal career highlight:
Making my pro debut with my family in attendance and winning by stoppage [in the fourth round against Hrvoje Bozinovic in December last year].

Toughest opponent:
There hasn’t been a toughest opponent so far, but when the time comes I’ll be ready to meet him.

Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attributes are my toughness and ring smarts. My worst is that I like to take my time, figure my opponent out and break him down before going for the finish, instead of jumping on him straight away.

Training tip:
Be consistent.

Favourite meal/restaurant:
Pounded yam and egusi soup is my favourite meal. I like my food from M&C Kitchen. It’s a local food delivery service that always provides tasty West African and Caribbean foods.

Best friends in boxing:
None.

Other sportsperson you would like to be:
Floyd Mayweather because of his success commercially and in the ring.

Last film/TV show you saw:
I recently watched Project Power on Netflix.

Who would play you in a film of your life:
Jamie Foxx. He’s in Project Power. He’s a great actor.

Have you ever been starstruck:
Nope. The only people I’d be starstruck meeting are James Toney and LeBron James. I’ll never get the chance to meet Muhammad Ali or Kobe Bryant. May they rest in peace.

Last time you cried:
I can’t remember the last time I cried. I don’t cry generally.

Best advice received:
‘Pro boxing is a business.’ Ohara Davies told me that.

Worst rumour about yourself:
No idea. I don’t pay attention to rumours.

Something not many people know about you:
I’m a voracious reader.

More stories

Dubois

Daniel Dubois’ comeback fight set for purse bids and a win could earn him Usyk trilogy

4 Nov, 2025
Fabio Wardley, Joseph Parker and Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury shares his verdict on whether Joseph Parker was stopped too early against Fabio Wardley

4 Nov, 2025
Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford sets his sights on one man for next fight

4 Nov, 2025
Ryan Garcia pose

WBC announces final decision on whether Ryan Garcia can fight for world title after being ‘expelled’

4 Nov, 2025
Boxing News

Since 1909

Editorial

  • News
  • Live Coverage
  • BN Investigates
  • Opinion
  • Features

Boxing

  • Upcoming Fight Schedule
  • Current Boxing Champions

Company

  • About Boxing News
  • Contact us
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy policy

Follow us

  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • X
  • Facebook
  • Google News
Copyright 2013—2025 Boxing News