60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Paul Wheeler talks to a man who struggles with early starts
‘I DON’T HAVE MANY WEAKNESSES, ALTHOUGH I DO STRUGGLE GETTING UP EARLY IN THE MORNING!’ Jack Mckinlay
When and why you started boxing:
I first started when I was 13. I went to the boxing gym with a mate of mine and just carried it on from there.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Julio Cesar Chavez because of his style and the fact that he went undefeated for so long.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Aaron Pryor against Alexis Arguello – the first fight.
Personal career highlight:
I’d have to say turning professional [with a four-round points win over William Warburton in September last year].
Toughest opponent:
In the amateurs, I boxed one of my current gym-mates, Jonathan Walsh, and he won. I was weightdrained, which made it tough for me. I just had a bad night, to be honest.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My stamina, fitness and mental strength are my best attributes. I don’t really see many weaknesses in myself, although I do struggle getting up early in the morning!
Training tip:
Be consistent and never give up, no matter how hard it gets.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I don’t really go out much to eat, so I haven’t got a particular restaurant that I like to go to. Meal-wise, my favourite would be a roast dinner with lamb.
Best friends in boxing:
Everyone at the Everton Red Triangle gym. We’re all good mates there.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
A football player for Everton.
‘WORST RUMOUR? MY MATE SAID THAT I GOT RUN OVER BY AN ICE CREAM VAN!’
Last film/tv show you saw:
Jaws on Netflix. It was my favourite film growing up.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
My favourite actor is Robert De Niro, so I’d have to say him.
Have you ever been starstruck:
No, I never have.
Last time you cried:
At my stepdad’s funeral.
Best advice received:
‘Keep your hands up.’ That’s from [coach] Paul Stevenson and everyone else who’s ever trained me.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I went on holiday and my mate spread a rumour that I got run over by an ice cream van! When I got back home, everyone was asking if I was alright!
Something not many people know about you:
Probably that I box, because I don’t really tell people that I’m a boxer, unless they ask.