60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Nick Bond talks to a man who has a permanent reminder of one of boxing’s greatest rivalries
‘IF THERE’S EVER A RAINY DAY, JUST KEEP PERSISTING AND THE SUN WILL SHINE THROUGH EVENTUALLY’ Adam Barker
When and why you started boxing:
I started boxing when I was about 12. I struggled a lot with bullies at my first high school because I was very quiet, timid and small. My dad had enough of me coming home upset and not wanting to go to school and spending all my time indoors, so he took me down to the local gym – Rosehill ABC – to help me gain confidence and learn how to defend myself. The rest is history.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Vasyl Lomachenko. His sheer talent and skill is mesmerising to watch. I try to take bits of his fighting style to use in my own armoury.
Best fight you’ve seen:
The Arturo Gatti-micky Ward trilogy. Those fights have two words to describe them for me: grit and determination. I’ve actually got a live action shot from the second fight tattooed on my left bicep.
Personal career highlight:
Winning a silver medal in the Haringey Box Cup as an amateur when a lot of people doubted me before every round. Every time I proved them wrong.
Toughest opponent:
In the pros, it would be Darryl Sharp. I had to move up to middleweight from welter to box him, as I couldn’t get an opponent at my weight. He’s a tough, awkward southpaw. I thought I broke my hand on his head with the first right hand that I threw!
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best is my awkward switchhitting style. I’m a nightmare for anyone in the opposite corner.
Training tip:
Don’t cut corners! Everything in your training schedule is there for a reason. Following it as you should with 100 per cent effort could be the difference between becoming a champion and not. Favourite meal/restaurant: Tuna pasta bake from the missus. Best friends in boxing: My trainer Adam Martin and my stablemate Jamie Carley. Adam’s like my boxing dad, and me and Jamie are always there to push each other on when needed, ever since the amateurs. Other sportsman you would like to be:
Sergio Garcia. I love to play golf, and he’s one of my favourite players. Last film/tv show you saw: [ TV series] Prison Break.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Owen Wilson, because his nose is as bad as mine! Have you ever been starstruck: Never. Last time you cried: The day my little boy was born. Best advice received: Never give up on something you love. And if there’s ever a rainy day, just keep persisting and the sun will shine through eventually. Worst rumour about yourself: That my boss at work is actually my older brother, which one person said and now everyone believes! The Phoenix Scaffolding boys will understand what I mean!