When and why you started boxing:
I started boxing in the Philippines when I was nine years old because I wanted to help support my family.
Favourite all-time fighter:
My favourite fighter is my idol, Manny Pacquiao. When I was a kid I wanted to be him. I’ve watched all of his fights.
Best fight you’ve seen:
The best fight I’ve seen is Pacquiao against Antonio Margarito. I love that fight because Pacquiao showed the perfect style and technique for how to beat a bigger fighter.
Personal career highlight:
Beating Joshua Greer Jnr in June [via 10-round majority decision].
Toughest opponent:
My toughest opponent so far has been Greer. He’s a good fighter and he was the No. 1 contender for the WBO bantamweight title when we fought.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attribute as a boxer is my strong discipline. I eat nutritional foods and avoid drinking beer and things like that. A bad diet can lessen your power.
Training tip:
Go for early morning runs and use the barbell in the gym.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I like eating fish with vegetables. My favourite type of food is Japanese.
Best friends in boxing:
My coach Moro Fernandez, my manager and promoter JC Manangquil and my gym-mates Mark Bernaldez and Reymart Gaballo.
Other sportsperson you would like to be:
LeBron James because I like to play basketball.
Last film/TV show you saw:
The last film I watched was a Filipino action movie.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Keanu Reeves. I like him as John Wick.
Have you ever been starstruck:
No, I haven’t.
Last time you cried:
The last time I cried was on June 16 – the day I won my fight against Greer. I was so happy that I cried tears of joy. To God be the glory.
Best advice received:
My parents and my team always give me good advice.
Worst rumour about yourself:
After my fight with Greer, someone wrote on social media that I need to improve my boxing skills.
Something not many people know about you:
Not many people know a lot about my personal life, nor do they know how good I really am as a boxer.
