When and why you started boxing:
I started boxing when I was eight or nine. Ever since I was little I’d always wanted to box. My dad, Ronnie Shinkwin, was a pro in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Miguel Cotto. I loved his style.
Best fight you’ve seen:
I was there for Michael Katsidis vs Graham Earl at Wembley Arena. I was also there for Dudley O’Shaughnessy vs Erick Ochieng at York Hall in the London ABA final.
Personal career highlight:
Winning a silver medal at the Junior Olympics in 2002 and becoming the Southern Area lightweight champion in 2013 [with a points victory over Ryan Taylor].
Toughest opponent:
Grant Skehill. I fought him in the Schoolboys at York Hall and he stopped me in the first round! He hit hard. We ended up boxing for England together and he’s actually one of my best friends now.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attribute is my temperament. I’m able to keep calm under pressure. My weakness is tea and biscuits!
Training tip:
Don’t put it off until tomorrow.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
A steak from Gaucho.
Best friends in boxing:
Tony Pill and team, [cousin] Miles Shinkwin, Grant Skehill and Don Charles.
Other sportsperson you would like to be:
I wouldn’t want to be anyone else.
Last film/TV show you saw:
I don’t really watch much tele, but I love Only Fools and Horses.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
I reckon Tom Hardy could do it!
Have you ever been starstruck:
I’ve never been starstruck.
Last time you cried:
I watched the film Ghost last year. Bearing in mind I’ve seen it loads of times in the past, I actually had tears rolling down my cheeks! I’m going soft in my old age!
Best advice received:
Find yourself a job you love doing and you’ll never work a day in your life.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I don’t listen to rumours, but I’m always told that I’m too nice to be a boxer.
Something not many people know about you:
I used to drive a pink smart car. It was provided by sponsors… honest!
FAST FACTS
Age: 35
Twitter: @liamshinkwin
Nickname: n/a
Height: 5ft 9ins
Nationality: English
From: Bushey
Stance: Orthodox
Record: 9-1-1
Division: Super-lightweight
Titles: Southern Area lightweight
Next fight: Following six years out of the ring, Shinkwin returned with a couple of bouts in 2019. He is looking forward to resuming his career this year.
