60-SECOND INTERVIEW
‘JUMANNE CAMERO IS TALL, TOUGH AND RESILIENT. HE’S A REAL NICE GUY OUTSIDE THE RING, TOO’ Jeff Ofori
When and why you started boxing:
My cousin invited me down to his boxing club when I was about 14 years old, just to give it a go. I stayed amateur for a few years for the experience, and now here we are!
Favourite all-time fighter:
Roberto Duran. Relentless pressure, pure demolition.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Aaron Pryor versus Alexis Arguello – the first fight.
Personal career highlight:
How could I not say winning the Southern Area lightweight title at the first time of asking? [Ofori dethroned Jumanne Camero in October last year with a 10-round points win].
Toughest opponent:
Jumanne Camero. He’s tall, tough and resilient. Now that I’ve spoken to him outside the ring, I know that he’s a real nice guy, too.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My main strength is my mentality. I’d honestly say that I don’t have any major weaknesses. Can I say ‘n/a’ for worst attributes?!
Training tip:
Stay focused and stay dedicated. Good things will come if you do.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
An Adana kebab from Gökyüzü in Green Lanes, Harringay.
Best friends in boxing:
My coach, Bevis Allen, and my manager, Mo Prior.
‘I’D HONESTLY SAY THAT I DON’T HAVE ANY MAJOR WEAKNESSES’
‘I’VE NEVER BEEN STARSTRUCK. MAYBE I HAVEN’T MET ANYONE WORTHY YET!’
Other sportsman you would like to be:
It’d have to be Cristiano Ronaldo I think.
Last film/tv show you saw:
I recently watched the film,
Marauders.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
I’d pick Don Cheadle to play me in a film.
Have you ever been starstruck:
I’ve never been starstruck, but maybe I just haven’t met anyone worthy yet!
Last time you cried:
[Laughs] That was a long time ago! I must have been about 20 years old I reckon.
Best advice received:
It’s happening. It’s not, not happening.
Worst rumour about yourself:
That I’m short. Really?! I’m 5ft 7ins, man!
Something not many people know about you:
I’m terrible at making small talk. I can’t stand it.