60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Paul Wheeler talks to the real-life Cookie Monster
‘WORST RUMOUR? THAT I WAS GOING TO BE ON EX ON THE BEACH. I WOULDN’T LOWER MYSELF’ Neeco Macias
When and why you started boxing:
I was 12 years old when I started. It was because I was getting into a few scuffles, shall we say!
Favourite all-time fighter:
Ricky Hatton. I love the way he wore his heart on his sleeve and was a man of the people.
Best fight you’ve seen:
I’d have to say Carl Froch versus George Groves – the first fight. It had everything.
Personal career highlight:
Being featured in this magazine! Only messing. It’d be when I became the Western Counties champion as an amateur.
Toughest opponent:
Robert Blazo [w rsf 4 – November 2015]. He kept using his head and elbow!
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I work the body well, and I’d say that I hit fairly hard. My weakness is what I do when I don’t have a date for my next fight!
Training tip:
Get a good coach and listen to them. Also, make sure you stay fit all year round.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
A Chinese at The Mandarin in Bournemouth.
Best friends in boxing:
At Bendall’s Gym we have a close team. Plus, the people at my old amateur club, Oakmead ABC, are life-long friends of mine. There’s also Matt Hake, who wraps my hands and does my cuts.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
A footballer. I wouldn’t mind having their bank balance.
Last film/tv show you saw: [ TV series] Homeland. I was hooked on it.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
It’d have to be Tom Hardy.
Have you ever been starstruck:
When I saw Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe when I was about 15.
Last time you cried:
When I lost my second pro fight [on points over four rounds to Gareth Piper in February 2015]. I was so annoyed with myself.
Best advice received:
Only the strong survive.
Worst rumour about yourself:
That I was going to be on [reality TV series] Ex on the Beach. I wouldn’t lower myself to that.
Something not many people know about you:
I’m the real-life Cookie Monster!
‘I LOVE THE WAY RICKY HATTON WORE HIS HEART ON HIS SLEEVE’
‘SOMEONE SAID I WAS GOING ON EX ON THE BEACH. I WOULDN’T LOWER MYSELF TO THAT’