When and why you started boxing:
I always loved fighting when I was younger. I started karate when I was six and I started boxing when I was eight, then I had my first fight at 11 and stuck at it ever since then.
Favourite all-time fighter:
I used to watch Floyd Mayweather and Amir Khan was world champion when I was growing up, so I used to watch them. I don’t really have an all-time favourite.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Probably the Khan vs [Marcos] Maidana fight. That was a war. It was an exciting fight. I enjoyed that.
Personal career highlight:
Being the first national amateur champion from Oxford. It felt like I created history but after the fight my mum and dad were saying why are you not that happy, and I remember saying to them this is just the beginning. I’ll be happy when I become a world champion.
Toughest opponent:
There’s not really one that stands out. Everyone brings something different.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attribute is my speed, I’m fast and I’m strong for my weight. My worst attribute is, if I get hit, I like having a war. I enjoy it too much. It’s learning about controlling that and picking the right time to be that way.
Training tip:
Stay dedicated. Stay consistent and work hard.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
My favourite food is Indian. If I’m not in training camp I go with my mum and dad and my family.
Best friends in boxing:
My trainer Kevin Mitchell and then the lads in the gym, Joe Cordina, Conor Benn, I’m with these guys every day so you build up a good relationship and you learn off them.
Other sportsperson you would like to be:
Probably a footballer because they got it a lot easier. They’re getting paid a lot of money, they’re not getting hit in the face. Probably Ronaldo.
Last film/TV show you saw:
The last film I saw was actually White Chicks, I don’t really watch TV but I like comedy films.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Hugh Heffner. That can be me in the future when I’m retired.
Have you ever been starstruck:
No. I’ve met celebrities but they’re just normal people. Everyone’s human.
Last time you cried:
Probably the last time I lost a fight in the amateurs, so a few years ago.
Best advice received:
Be patient. Not everything happens here and now. Things can take a while, you’ve got to work hard and your time will come.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I don’t really have any rumours to be honest.
Something not many people know about you:
I love going for coffee, most days. I’m outside Caffe Nero now.
