‘PERSIAN FOOD IS MY FAVOURITE. I WON’T NAME THE RESTAURANT UNTIL I GET MY ENDORSEMENT!’
Paul Wheeler talks to a globetrotter who has returned home
When and why you started boxing:
I was 16 years old when I started. I was always getting into fights, so I found a nearby boxing gym. I’ve loved it ever since.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Julio Cesar Chavez or Roberto Duran. They were both the epitome of machismo in the ring.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Live, it has to be Srisaket Sor Rungvisai against Carlos Cuadras in Mexico. Even though Cuadras won, Srisaket’s performance in that fight was the reason why I picked him to beat Roman Gonzalez.
Personal career highlight:
Working with Nacho Beristain in Mexico, as he’s one of the all-time best trainers. Also, being brought back to the UK by Mick Hennessy and having my fights televised live on terrestrial TV on Channel 5.
Toughest opponent:
Miguel Angel Gonzalez, who I fought in Canada [w ud 8 – April 2017]. Boy he was tough.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I’d say my speed, chin and defence are my main strengths, but I need to be more patient, as I’m always forcing the fight.
Training tip:
Always work hard, as you can’t cut corners.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
Persian food is my favourite. I won’t name the restaurant until I get my endorsement!
Best friends in boxing:
One is German Rafael, the supermiddleweight from Argentina. He’s a great person. We were the only two foreigners at the Romanza Gym in Mexico. The other is the unbeaten Canadian heavyweight,
Mladen Miljas.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
If I wasn’t a boxer, I wouldn’t mind being a footballer.
Last film/tv show you saw:
I recently watched Gladiator for about the 100th time!
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Robert De Niro is my favourite actor, but he’s too old!
Have you ever been starstruck:
I’ve only ever been starstruck once. That was when I met Mike Tyson.
Last time you cried:
When my mum broke her back. Thank God she’s made a full recovery.
Best advice received:
Either you do or you don’t – nothing half-arsed.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I haven’t heard any. I wouldn’t pay attention anyway.
Something not many people know about you:
I love to cook. I make a great Mexican dish called mole.
‘DURAN WAS THE EPITOME OF MACHISMO IN THE RING’