60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Paul Wheeler talks to a man who is back with a vengeance
‘CARL FROCH PUNCHED LIKE HE HAD ROCKS IN HIS GLOVES. I HAVE A LOT OF RESPECT FOR HIM’ Jean Pascal
When and why you started boxing:
I grew up playing hockey and soccer. I only started boxing when I was 13 to follow in the footsteps of my older brother, Nicholson Poulard.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Roy Jones Jnr. He’s been a great mentor to me over the years.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Arturo Gatti-micky Ward I. I remember watching it on TV in Puerto Rico. Everyone was expecting a good fight and it certainly lived up to that.
Personal career highlight:
Beating Badou Jack in my last fight [sd 12 – December 2019]. The victory put a stamp on my legacy and let the world know that I’m truly back with a vengeance.
Toughest opponent:
Carl Froch back in December 2008 [l ud 12]. He was solid and he punched like he had rocks in his gloves. I have a lot of respect for him as a boxer.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My strengths are my guts, chin and heart. I won’t tell you my weaknesses!
Training tip:
Quality over quantity. People think that the more they do in training, the better the outcome. That’s not always the case.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I love seafood – lobster, shrimp, scampi, you name it. As for a favourite restaurant, I like too many to name just one.
Best friends in boxing:
My manager, Greg Leon. Over the last decade it’s become more than just business with us. We look out for each other like family.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
Nobody.
Last film/tv show you saw:
Bad Boys II with my daughter. I’m glad she’s at an age now where we can enjoy some of the same movies.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Cuba Gooding Jnr because people say that we look alike.
Have you ever been starstruck:
I’ve met a lot of famous people but I’ve never been starstruck.
Last time you cried:
When my dad passed away on October 9, 2018. That was difficult.
Best advice received:
To protect myself at all times.
Worst rumour about yourself:
People said that I was finished, but I proved them wrong.
Something not many people know about you:
I’m super shy. When I go into the ring in front of a huge audience or do media interviews, I’m just focused on the task, so you’d never guess.
‘PEOPLE SAID I WAS FINISHED, BUT I PROVED THEM WRONG’