60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Paul Wheeler talks to a man who swapped one combat sport for another
‘I JUST LOVED HATTON’S STYLE OF BOXING, AND I LOVED SEEING THE SUPPORT HE HAD AT HIS FIGHTS.’ George Hennon
When and why you started boxing:
I started boxing when I was 18 years old. I changed from kickboxing – which I started aged six – because I always wanted to go down the boxing route.
Favourite all-time fighter:
I’ve got to say Ricky Hatton. I just loved his style of boxing. He was an icon, and I loved seeing the support he had at his fights.
Best fight you’ve seen:
I liked Jamie Conlan’s fight against Anthony Nelson [an eighth-round KO win for Conlan in April last year]. That was unreal!
Personal career highlight:
It’s early days still in my career, so at the moment I’d say it’s the fantastic support I receive from my friends and family.
Toughest opponent:
Sam Ball [l rsf 3 – May 2016]. He is as tough as they come – very good and strong.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I’m still finding out! I have a strong back hand, but I’m still finding my way in the pros.
Training tip:
Just work hard and don’t cut corners.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
Sushi or Indian. The best restaurant I’ve ever been to has to be Novikov in Mayfair. It’s unreal!
Best friends in boxing:
My dad, Frank. He’s always there with me for every single session in the gym. He even takes days off work to watch me train.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
A footballer for Chelsea.
Last film/tv show you saw:
[TV series] Power. Who would play you in a film of your life:
Kevin Hart!
Have you ever been starstruck:
I haven’t actually met Floyd Mayweather, but I saw him when he got in the ring at the Gervonta Davis-liam Walsh fight in London earlier this year. I was a bit starstruck at seeing him in the flesh.
Last time you cried:
Probably when I last dropped my sushi!
Best advice received:
Anthony Yarde told me just to work hard. That advice has stuck with me.
Worst rumour about yourself:
Hearing that I haven’t gone anywhere since leaving kickboxing behind.
Something not many people know about you:
I was an English kickboxing champion.
‘ANTHONY YARDE TOLD ME JUST TO WORK HARD. THAT ADVICE HAS STUCK WITH ME’