60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Paul Wheeler talks to an Englishman in France
‘I WAS GETTING INTO A LOT OF FIGHTS AT SCHOOL, SO THAT’S WHY I TOOK THE SPORT UP’
When and why you started boxing:
I started boxing when I was 17 years old. I was getting into a lot of fights at school in France at the time, so that’s why I took the sport up.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Ricky Hatton is my favourite fighter ever. His body shots were incredible!
Best fight you’ve seen:
The first fight between Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward.
Personal career highlight:
My best achievement as a boxer so far is turning professional in France.
Toughest opponent:
I’ve only had five pro fights so far, so I wouldn’t pick any of those opponents. Lounes Hamraoui is the best technician I’ve ever been in the ring with, while Dylan Carlier was as tough as hell!
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I’d say that my aggression is my main strength as a fighter. As for my weakness, I think that’d be the fact that I sometimes overthink things too much.
Training tip:
It’s important that you find a good gym to train at. You also need to have lots of determination.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
There’s nothing better than a home-cooked roast dinner.
Best friends in boxing:
My main sparring partner, Lounes Hamraoui. Other sportsman you would like to be:
I wouldn’t like to be anybody else. I’m happy just being myself.
Last film/tv show you saw:
I’ve been watching [the TV series]
Breaking Bad.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
I’d choose Daniel Craig to play me.
Have you ever been starstruck:
Yes, by Anthony Joshua.
Last time you cried:
I cried when my children were born.
Best advice received:
In boxing, it’d be to be clever and try not to get hit. In life, it’d be to just be yourself.
Worst rumour about yourself:
That I’m actually French!
Something not many people know about you:
Most people don’t realise the amount of hard work and dedication that I put in ahead of a fight. Outside of the sport, not many people understand the physical and mental effort that is required to be a boxer.
‘I WAS GETTING INTO A LOT OF FIGHTS AT SCHOOL IN FRANCE’
‘MOST PEOPLE DON’T REALISE THE AMOUNT OF HARD WORK I PUT IN’