60-SECOND INTERVIEW
David Wainwright talks to a man who received some good advice from ‘Sibbo’
‘ALWAYS BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. I WAS TOLD THIS BY LEICESTER BOXING LEGEND, TONY SIBSON’ Callum Blockley
When and why you started boxing:
I was walking through my local village [Blaby] when I was younger, and I got jumped by a load of lads. I went back home and told my dad what’d happened. He took me down to the boxing gym the next week. So if any of those lads are reading this now, I’d like to thank them!
Best fight you’ve seen:
The three Arturo Gatti-micky Ward fights are my favourites.
Personal career highlight:
I’m proud of the fact that I reached a good level as an amateur.
Toughest opponent:
[Current Midlands Area superlightweight champion] Connor Parker, who I fought three times in the amateurs.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I think I’ve got a decent jab. It gets me out of trouble when needed. Something I need to work on, though, is moving up through the gears.
Training tip:
Always set yourself targets and make sure that you’re continually looking to improve.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I like a nice steak at Miller & Carter in Leicester.
Best friends in boxing:
[One-fight pro super-welterweight] Josh Cherry and Connor Parker.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
It’s got to be Cristiano Ronaldo.
Last film/tv show you saw:
I watched a good film recently – Training Day with Denzel Washington.
‘WORST RUMOUR? THAT SOMEONE SAW ME DOWN THE PUB AND I WAS STEAMING’
Who would play you in a film of your life:
I’d choose Joey [Tribbiani] from
Friends – Matt Leblanc.
Have you ever been starstruck:
Yes, when I met Carl Frampton after my most recent fight [a four-round points win over Danny Little in October last year].
Last time you cried:
It was two weeks before my pro debut – just under a year ago – at the funeral of a good friend of mine, Matt Ball.
Best advice received:
‘Always believe in yourself.’ I was told this by family friend and Leicester boxing legend, Tony Sibson.
Worst rumour about yourself:
That someone saw me down the Fox & Tiger pub [in Blaby] and I was steaming [drunk].
Something not many people know about you:
I played football for England Schoolboys.