KIRK GARVEY
Nick Bond talks to a fan of the Sugarmen
When and why you started boxing:
I started at five years old because of my older brother Rob Garvey. I wanted to do what he did.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Either of the Sugar Rays [Robinson and Leonard] because they could do it all, or Puerto Rican legend Felix “Tito” Trinidad.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Daniel Herdman [Repton] versus Sam Webb [Bromley] in the London ABAS. A great amateur fight.
Personal career highlight:
Winning every national amateur tournament on offer – junior to senior. Not many British boxers can say they’ve done that.
Toughest opponent:
I had a great fight with Frank Buglioni [Repton] in the London ABAS a few years ago. Frank’s now doing really well as British lightheavyweight champion.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attribute is that I have no bad attributes when I’m on form.
Training tip:
Train like there’s no tomorrow and learn something from everyone – above you or below you.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
My mother’s roast dinner or a
‘I GREW UP TRAINING WITH GREAT BOXERS AND COACHES AT EARLSFIELD ABC. THEY’RE ALL MY FRIENDS’
kebab when I’m not training as a treat.
Best friends in boxing:
My brother Rob and all the Earlsfield ABC boys (Bradley Skeete, Louis Adolphe, Joe Joyce). Success breeds success and I grew up training with great boxers and coaches.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
I can only be a boxer, so Andre Ward, as he is the current world light-heavyweight champion.
Last film/tv show you saw:
Rab C. Nesbitt. My girlfriend’s Scottish and that’s all she watches!
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Vince Vaughn, as we’re both tall, dark and handsome!
Have you ever been starstruck:
No, but it’s been amazing meeting people I used to look up to.
Last time you cried:
I can’t remember to be honest.
Best advice received:
Believe in yourself and don’t be fooled by the fools.
Worst rumour about yourself:
My trainer, Adam Martin, once labelled me a ladies’ man – absolutely untrue! Also, that I’m a Spurs fan!
Something not many people know about you:
There’s a reason they don’t know – so let’s keep it that way!