60-SECOND INTERVIEW
John Dennen talks to a knockout artist
‘I CHOPPED MY FINGER OFF WHEN I WAS 14. I BOXED EIGHT WEEKS LATER AND WON THE ABAS’ Dalton Smith
When and why you started boxing:
I was five or six years old when I first walked into the gym. My dad took me in. I was playing football at the same time but I wasn’t very good at football so I just fell in love with boxing.
Favourite all-time fighter:
I’d probably say Joe Calzaghe. I used to watch him a lot growing up as well. It was the bond he had with his dad, I used to relate to that.
Personal career highlight:
I’d say representing my country, going to the Olympics as a sparring partner, travelling the world in the amateurs on the Olympic team and then turning professional, that was one of the biggest moments.
Toughest opponent:
There’s a couple of Kazakhs but one of the good fights I had was against the Cuban, Yasnier Toledo Lopez. It was the WSB final. That was my debut in the WSB. I got asked to box Cuba in the final. I said yeah, why not? My dad’s always said fight the best because even if you lose, you’re still going to learn. I’ve always had the mentality from being young just fight the best and it’ll do you much more than fighting people you’ll knock over.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I work hard, I’m dedicated, I train hard, I’m professional. My worst – I like to sleep too much.
Training tip:
Listen to your coach and don’t think you know everything.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
Out of camp, an Indian but if I’m in camp I can demolish a
good Best Scott friends Jenkins, few Wagamamas. he in boxing: used to box, he’s retired gym. now, and all the lads in the
Other like to sportsman be: you would
I couldn’t really say. I’ve always thought be yourself and you can achieve what you want.
Last film/tv show you saw:
Tiger King. Everyone was raving about it.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
It’s going to have to be Brad Pitt, make me look good.
Have you ever been starstruck:
I was meant to box on Vasyl Lomachenko’s undercard. I got a picture with him and had a little chat so I was a little bit starstruck when I met him.
Best advice received:
Stay at home and wash your hands!
Worst rumour about yourself:
If there’s a rumour out there, it’s probably started by Sunny Edwards.
Something not many people know about you:
I chopped my finger off when I was 14. I boxed eight weeks later and won the ABAS. I had my finger sewn back on. It was hung on by a thread of skin. I fell over, I fell in some glass.