60-SECOND INTERVIEW

Paul Wheeler talks to a plasterer-turned-pugilist

‘WHEN I WATCH FLOYD MAYWEATHER DO HIS STUFF, I GET A BIT AWESTRUCK WITH HIS SKILL’ Nick Ball

When and why you started boxing:

I started Thai boxing when my dad took me to the gym at the age of about six. I did that until I was 14 and won lots of belts. Then I went into amateur boxing and had 25 fights, winning 23 and boxing for England a few times. I won the CYPS, the Junior ABAS and the Tri-nations.

Favourite all-time fighter:

Mike Tyson because I just love his style and I’ve always watched him.

Best fight you’ve seen:

The Gervonta Davis-jose Pedraza fight.

Personal career highlight:

Getting the chance to turn pro. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do.

Toughest opponent:

They’ve all been tough. None have stood out on their own so far. I just figure out on the night what to do to get past them.

Best and worst attributes as a boxer:

My main strengths are my power, speed and fitness. I always set a high pace. I’ve got a lot of things I need to work on, but I don’t see them as weaknesses.

Training tip:

Make sure you put hard work and dedication in.

Favourite meal/restaurant:

My favourite meal would have to be an Italian. My favourite restaurant is Casa Italia in Liverpool.

‘TURNING PROFESSIONAL IS WHAT I ALWAYS WANTED TO DO’

‘WHEN I WATCH FLOYD MAYWEATHER I GET AWESTRUCK’

Best friends in boxing:

All the team that are around me at Everton Red Triangle Boxing Club.

Other sportsman you would like to be:

Someone involved with fighting.

Last film/tv show you saw:

I watched [crime drama series]

Top Boy recently.

Who would play you in a film of your life:

I can’t think of anyone!

Have you ever been starstruck:

I’ve never seen him fight live or met him, but when I watch Floyd Mayweather do his stuff, I get a bit awestruck with his skill.

Last time you cried:

I can’t really remember. Probably back when I was a kid.

Best advice received:

Do what makes you happy.

Worst rumour about yourself:

No one really knows who I am yet, so they’re not talking about me!

Something not many people know about you:

Before becoming a professional boxer I was a plasterer with my dad.