60-SECOND INTERVIEW
‘AS I REALLY DEVELOPED IN THE SPORT, I ALWAYS LOOKED UP TO BERNARD HOPKINS’ JJ Mcdonagh
When and why you started boxing:
Boxing was a big part of my community and family. I always wanted to get involved in it, so once I was old enough my dad took me down to the gym.
Favourite all-time fighter:
“Prince” Naseem Hamed was always someone I liked watching growing up. As I grew up more and really developed in the sport, I always looked up to Bernard Hopkins.
Best fight you’ve seen:
I’ve seen a few decent scraps down the local pub! But the best boxing match I’ve seen is Micky Wardarturo Gatti I on TV.
Personal career highlight:
Winning the Irish supermiddleweight title [by knocking out Lee Murtagh in seven in February 2012]. That’s closely followed by winning the WBA International light-heavyweight title [by stopping Jake Ball in the opener in November 2016].
Toughest opponent:
Probably Darren Cruise [w ud 3 – May 2012 & w pts 10 – April 2016]. He’s really underrated.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
People think I’m just a big puncher, but I can be just as slick, too. Enough people put me down, so I’ll leave the weaknesses for the haters to decide.
Training tip:
Stay dedicated. Work hard. Always believe in yourself. And always surround yourself with the right people.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
Supermac’s. It’s a fast food restaurant in Ireland. You can’t beat it.
Best friends in boxing: My manager Kaz Evans and my brother [two-time Irish light-heavy champ] Paddy Mcdonagh.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
Tiger Woods.
Last film/tv show you saw: I watch [TV series] Minder non-stop.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Mr T!
Have you ever been starstruck:
When I met Jake Ball!
Last time you cried:
When Jake Ball said he was moving on to bigger things even after I destroyed him in a round. I was crying with laughter for days!
Best advice received:
Punch Jake Ball as if he had stolen my missus. I ended up with one of the punches of the year on Sky Sports and a decent payday for about 90 seconds of work.
Worst rumour about yourself:
That I didn’t want the rematch with Jake Ball.
Something not many people know about you:
I’m great at doing impressions after a few drinks.
‘I ENDED UP WITH A DECENT PAYDAY FOR ABOUT 90 SECONDS OF WORK’