When and why you started boxing:
I started at 10. My family’s always been doing sport. My dad used to box as a kid so it was only a matter of time before I tried boxing. When I did, I never went back after that.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Pernell Whitaker. Roy Jones Jnr a close, close second. But I just love watching Pernell Whitaker’s fights.
Best fight you’ve seen:
The atmosphere for Haye-Bellew I was good. No one was expecting Haye to knock him out. That was one of the best live ones I’ve watched.
Personal career highlight:
I would say my professional debut. I sold loads of tickets. It was like a wave of noise when I walked out. A great night, a great after-party as well.
Toughest opponent:
Joselito Velásquez. I was only young, jumped in with the world number three at the time. I’m a boxer and a mover but in the end I couldn’t keep off because he closed the distance too well, so I just put my head down and started swinging for him. I put him on the backfoot a couple of times.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attribute I would say is my IQ, my boxing brain. My worst attribute, I’ll land a great shot, possibly hurt them, admire my work rather than follow it up and get some more stoppages under the belt. It’s a trait I’m slowly getting out of.
Training tip:
Unless you’re 100 per cent you want this, stay in school, pack it in.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I love Thai, Chinese, Asian food.
Best friends in boxing:
Joshua Buatsi, we got on to the GB squad the same time, we came up through the same way. Also the McCormacks are good mates.
Other sportsperson you would like to be:
Conor McGregor. Because of his personality, he’s a great fighter as well. He can talk for days.
Last film/TV show you saw:
I watch Big Bang Theory quite a bit.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
It’s got to be Dave Franco. He does a lot of stuff that I find really funny.
Have you ever been starstruck:
Not really, I’ve been around quite a few high end boxers either in the camp or up GB, so it’s become second nature to see people you’d consider stars.
Last time you cried:
One of our good family friends, his dad died. We went to his funeral a couple of months ago. I think I shed a tear there, that was quite sad.
Best advice received:
If you start something, finish it.
Worst rumour about yourself:
Despite what it says on Boxrec I’m not 5ft 2ins.
Something not many people know about you:
I have 12 or 13 GCSEs, with an A in French.
