THE BOUT THAT REALLY STANDS OUT

Q So what are the memories that stand out in your mind, then?

A Definitely fighting in the Philippines in an outdoor tournament in front of about 22,000 people – that was amazing. It was humid as hell. It was an incredible experience. I was fighting a Mexican guy (Miguel Angel Gonzalez) and I got dropped in the first round. He didn’t fight the way I thought he would, so I had to adjust and won not long after that. He was long and tall and I didn’t expect that.

Q It’s always surprised me that you don’t really study your opponents.

A A lot of guys watch a lot of footage but I just leave it to my man- ager. They do the research and come up with a plan or strategy. (Coach) Billy (Hussein, pictured right) implements it at training and I just carry it out. Usually I watch a little bit of footage the day before but it’s usually not even a full round. I get programmed in the gym and just go out and do it. I’m a pretty laid-back dude. That’s just me. Nothing fazes me.