60-SECOND INTERVIEW
‘I’VE ALWAYS BEEN TOLD TO ENJOY LIFE. TRY TO TAKE RISKS AND DON’T REGRET ANYTHING’ David Papot
When and why you started boxing:
I remember watching a Jeanclaude Van Damme film with my parents when I was four years old. That’s when I became interested in combat sports. I started boxing at the age of five.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Floyd Mayweather is my favourite boxer ever. His style and the way he counteracted the abilities of his opponents was breathtaking.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Floyd Mayweather against Oscar De La Hoya.
Personal career highlight:
My best achievement so far is winning the WBA Continental middleweight belt [with a unanimous decision over Dzmitry Atrokhau in March last year].
Toughest opponent:
The best opponent I’ve faced in the pros is Dzmitry Atrokhau. He had a solid guard and defence.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My main strength is my ability to adapt in the ring. My weakness is a lack of self-confidence, which can destabilise me before a fight.
Training tip:
The best advice I can give is to believe in yourself and persevere. This is the key to success.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
My favourite meal? Raclette, of course!
Best friends in boxing: Sonny Abid is my best friend in boxing. He’s like my little brother.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
A footballer.
Last film/tv show you saw: I’m watching Peaky Blinders at the moment. It’s a great series.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Jason Statham!
Have you ever been starstruck:
I’ve never had the opportunity to meet a big star, unfortunately. Hopefully I get to in the future!
Last time you cried:
The last time I cried was when one of my relatives disappeared.
Best advice received:
I’ve always been told to enjoy life to the full. Try to take risks and don’t regret anything.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I haven’t heard any rumours about myself yet. Is that a good sign?!
Something not many people know about you:
Few people know that I lack confidence in myself and that I often doubt my skills.
‘MY LACK OF CONFIDENCE CAN DESTABILISE ME BEFORE A FIGHT’
‘ENJOY LIFE. TRY TO TAKE RISKS AND DON’T REGRET ANYTHING’