60-SECOND INTERVIEW
David Wainwright talks to a man who didn’t want to look like a Carl Frampton fanboy
‘WHEN I WENT TO LAS VEGAS ON HOLIDAY I HAD TACOS AT TACO BELL. THEY WERE AMAZING’ Kyle Haywood
When and why you started boxing:
I kept fighting and getting excluded from school, so my mum and dad made me go to Earl Shilton ABC when I was 11 years old.
Favourite all-time fighter:
A mixture of the “Four Kings” – Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Micky Ward versus Arturo Gatti. All three of their fights were wars.
Personal career highlight:
Making my pro debut against Chris Jenkinson [w pts 4] at Baths Hall in Scunthorpe in November 2016.
Toughest opponent:
Sam Omidi, who I beat on points [over eight rounds] in April 2018 at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium. He was a really tough opponent.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attribute is that I can adapt my style depending on my opponent. My worst is that I can be overeager, which means sometimes I can get into wars.
Training tip:
Do plenty of roadwork, but rest days are also important.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
When I went to Las Vegas on holiday I had tacos at Taco Bell. They were amazing.
Best friends in boxing:
[Gym-mate and British superfeatherweight champion] Sam Bowen, [co-trainer] Craig “Pecker” Perkins and [co-trainer and manager] Carl Greaves.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
Lewis Hamilton – plenty of money, plenty of women!
Last film/tv show you saw:
‘I DON’T USUALLY CRY AT FILMS, BUT THE GREEN MILE GETS ME EVERY TIME!’
Line of Duty. I’ve just finished watching the whole four series.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
It’s a toss-up between Will Smith and Denzel Washington. Actually, because I’m quite small, maybe I’d say Kevin Hart!
Have you ever been starstruck:
I bumped into Carl Frampton in Pilot [a clothes shop in Leicester]. I wanted to ask him for a picture, but I didn’t want to look like a fanboy!
Last time you cried:
About three weeks ago, when I was watching The Green Mile. I don’t usually cry at films, but that one gets me every time!
Best advice received:
‘Hit and don’t be hit.’ I don’t always listen to it, though!
Worst rumour about yourself:
I don’t think I’ve heard one.
Something not many people know about you:
I used to be a massive Rihanna fan when I was younger. I’d sing the songs out loud.