What have you been doing since the Worlds?
I went to a tournament just recently, the Bocskai, but I didn’t do well. I got beat by the Georgian. He just throws loads of hooks, if he’s not throwing hooks then he’s on your chest.
It was quite close but when I beat him before I had a bit more in the tank to punch him off. I didn’t box too well out there.
I should be beating these guys. I’m back on it properly now so it won’t happen again.
You were so busy last year, how much wear and tear did that put on your body?
It was a tough but I was kind of on a roll, apart from one Russian guy beat me, and then I won the European Games. I had a few niggling injuries but I got it back in time for the Worlds, I did okay there [he won a bronze medal]. I could have won it really and I wanted to win it.
I thought you were unlucky against Tony Yoka in the semi-final, has that bout been playing on your mind since?
A little bit. I went over it with the video analyst. I thought my punch volume and punches landed were better in the European Games. But I think he stepped his game up a lot since then and looking at the videos it looks like he put on a bit more size as well.
Are you looking forward to your World Series of Boxing bout at York Hall (on March 3)?
Yes it’s my local venue almost, home turf. Getting me more time in the ring is also getting me ready fitness wise. I think I’ll just try to keep the speed going for the five rounds. I don’t want to change the pace too much, keep it at three-threes pace. I want to get back on a roll.
Does the loss worry you, because Frazer Clarke could be selected for the next Olympic qualifier?
There’s that concern. I need to be on top of my game. But I don’t want to think about that, I just want to box to the best of my ability, get the training right, win and look good for the coaches and be good for myself so I get selected.
What are all the medals you’ve won?
I’ve got all four, Commonwealth, European, European Games and World medals, two golds, two bronze. I just need one more medal to complete the collection…
