60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Paul Wheeler talks to a man who’d like to punch his best mates
‘MY GRANDPARENTS USED TO TALK ABOUT FIGHTS FROM THE OLD DAYS, WHICH MADE ME WANT TO BOX’ Sonny Taylor
When and why you started boxing:
I was 10 when I started. My grandparents used to talk about fights from back in the old days, which made me really want to box.
Favourite all-time fighter:
I really like Jack Dempsey. I even named my dog after him! But my favourite has to be Miguel Cotto – a box-fighter who always brought war!
Best fight you’ve seen:
I went to watch Oleksandr Usyk against Mairis Briedis in Riga, Latvia. The atmosphere was unreal and it was non-stop action from start to finish.
Personal career highlight:
Passing the brain scan! I’ve only just started out as a pro, so the best is yet to come.
Toughest opponent:
Myself! Training is the hardest thing about boxing – I love the fighting part. Sometimes I have to battle myself into getting out on the road for running.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I can mix it up with angles and quick hands, but I often get drawn into a fight too easily.
Training tip:
Even a bad session is better than time spent at home, so stick it out.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I love my food! It’s got to be a burger! I had an awesome elk burger in a gastro pub, but you can’t beat a Nando’s.
Best friends in boxing:
My coach [Seb Glazer] and my brother [Marcus Hall]. Although I’d like to punch them both!
‘I WENT TO FIST BUMP DAVID PRICE BUT I MISSED’
Other sportsman you would like to be:
Lewis Hamilton. He goes fast in a car!
Last film/tv show you saw:
I’ve just started watching [TV series]
Ray Donovan.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
I’d play myself – I’ll need a career after boxing!
Have you ever been starstruck:
I met David Price the other day. I was sparring at his gym and went to fist bump him but completely missed.
Last time you cried: Watching Mighty Joe Young in Malta when I was nine. That film gets me every time!
Best advice received:
Dodge ‘em!
Worst rumour about yourself:
I like to think that everyone says nice things about me. If they don’t, it’s none of my business.
Something not many people know about you:
Due to the power of social media my life is an open book.