60-SECOND INTERVIEW
David Wainwright talks to a man who followed in Carl Froch’s footsteps
‘CARL FROCH STARTED OUT AT THE SAME AMATEUR CLUB AS ME. HE WAS TOUGH AND EXCITING’ Brad Daws
When and why you started boxing:
My dad first took me down the gym when I was about 11 years old. My cousin, Leigh Francis, was a good amateur boxer when I was a kid. He was somebody that I looked up to.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Carl Froch. He started out at the same amateur club as me – Phoenix ABC. He was tough and always exciting to watch.
Best fight you’ve seen:
I was at the Anthony Joshuawladimir Klitschko fight at Wembley Stadium in April 2017.
Personal career highlight:
I really enjoyed making my professional debut against Elvis Guillen at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium [w pts 4 – September 2018]. It was the biggest crowd I’d ever fought in front of. I did the business and looked good.
Toughest opponent:
Peter Mcgrail. I fought him four times in the amateurs.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I’ve got a powerful punch for a super-bantamweight, but I sometimes rely too much on my power to get me out of trouble.
Training tip:
Always listen to your trainer, as they can often see things that you can’t.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I like having a big tomahawk steak at The Nelson in Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire.
Best friends in boxing:
My coaches, Chris Slatcher and Carl Greaves. Carl is also my promoter. I can’t forget my old coach, too – my uncle, Chris Johnson. He really looked after me
‘ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR TRAINER, AS THEY CAN OFTEN SEE THINGS THAT YOU CAN’T’
when I was a kid. Even though he lives in Tenerife we still speak every day and he comes back to the UK to be at my fights.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
I’d say Lewis Hamilton.
Last film/tv show you saw:
I’m currently watching the final series of Prison Break.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
I’d choose Mark Wahlberg to play me.
Have you ever been starstruck:
I don’t think I’ve ever been starstruck.
Last time you cried:
I can’t remember, so it must’ve been quite a long time ago.
Best advice received:
Don’t load up.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I don’t think there has been any rumours about me. If there has, I’ve not heard them!
Something not many people know about you:
I’ve not got any secrets.