60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Paul Wheeler talks to a man who was initially put off by a punch on the nose
‘THE BOARD ONCE REFUSED ME A LICENCE BUT I’M LIVING PROOF OF WHAT HARD WORK CAN DO’ Paul Hilz
When and why you started boxing:
I first started boxing when I was eight years old, but I got punched on the nose and didn’t go back again until I was 28!
Favourite all-time fighter:
I grew up watching Marvin Hagler. He was a great boxer and fighter.
Best fight you’ve seen:
The first fight between Micky Ward and Arturo Gatti. It was unbelievable!
Personal career highlight:
Beating Lewis van Poetsch [via eight-round points decision] in my last fight [in September].
Toughest opponent:
Scott Douglas [l pts 8 – December 2015] due to his durability and greater experience.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My weakness is probably my footwork, and my strengths are my fitness and determination.
Training tip:
Be consistent.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I like going to Smith’s in Ongar for a nice steak.
Best friends in boxing:
My stablemates that I train with, as well as my manager, Carl Greaves. There’s also [Essex-based trainers] Tony Sims and Kevin Lilley.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
Something like a decathlete, where there’s a bit of everything involved. Last film/tv show you saw: I saw T2 Trainspotting at the cinema recently. I’m also really into the Ray Donovan series.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Probably the actor from the
Southpaw film – Jake Gyllenhaal.
Have you ever been starstruck:
The first time that I went to the Matchroom gym, when the likes of Darren Barker, Kevin Mitchell, Ricky Burns, Anthony Ogogo and Anthony Joshua were all in there.
Last time you cried:
When my dog, Frank, passed away. He had been with me for 13 years.
Best advice received:
The trainer, Jason Rowland, told me, ‘It’s all about levels’, and he couldn’t have been any more truthful.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I don’t want to tempt fate, but I haven’t had anything negative yet.
Something not many people know about you:
The BBBOFC initially refused me a licence, but I’m living proof that hard work can get you anywhere.
‘I GREW UP WATCHING MARVIN HAGLER. HE COULD BOX AND FIGHT’
‘I WAS INITIALLY REFUSED A BBBOFC LICENCE, BUT HARD WORK CAN GET YOU ANYWHERE’