60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Paul Wheeler talks to a man who sees spirits
‘THE CHARLOS ARE CLOSE FRIENDS OF MINE. WE GREW UP TOGETHER AT SAVANNAH BOXING CLUB’ Regis Prograis
When and why you started boxing:
I was 16 when I stepped into a boxing gym for the first time. I grew up fighting on the streets of New Orleans. I’ve always loved to fight.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Mike Tyson, because of his ferociousness and the fact that he was a student of the game.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Manny Pacquiao-antonio Margarito. I went to that one and it was crazy.
Personal career highlight:
Winning the NABF superlightweight title [by stopping Luis Eduardo Florez in the fourth round in June 2016].
Toughest opponent:
Felipe Reyes [w rsf 6 – April 2014]. I fought him up at welterweight, so he was naturally bigger than me. I dropped him in the first round, but he got back up and came straight at me.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I’m fast, strong, athletic and durable. Most importantly, my boxing IQ is high. However, sometimes I don’t keep my hands up as much I should, because I know I can take a punch.
Training tip:
Stay focused.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I love seafood – crab, shrimp and crawfish. My favourite restaurant is Manchu in New Orleans.
Best friends in boxing:
Jermell and Jermall Charlo are close friends of mine. We grew up together at Savannah Boxing Club, but now we train at different gyms. A lot of my current gymmates are my friends now. Guys like Craig Callaghan, Pablo Cruz, Jerrico Walton, Darwin Price, Chris Edwards and my trainer, Bobby Benton.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
[Former NBA star] Allen Iverson.
Last film/tv show you saw:
[American TV series] Shameless.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
I don’t know, but it better be somebody who’s extremely handsome and can act.
Have you ever been starstruck:
The closest I’ve come is when I met “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler. I just felt that aura around him.
Last time you cried:
I went to a wedding recently. I didn’t drop a tear, but I got watery eyes.
Best advice received:
Don’t give any excuses.
Worst rumour about yourself:
A lot of people think I’m rich. That’s definitely not true… yet.
Something not many people know about you:
It might sound crazy, but I’ve seen a few spirits in my life. I saw the first one when I was around 13.
‘I JUST FELT THAT AURA AROUND ‘MARVELOUS’ MARVIN HAGLER’