60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Paul Wheeler talks to one of Brazil’s most successful active boxers
‘I USED TO WATCH THE BRUCE LEE MOVIES, WHICH AROUSED MY INTEREST IN FIGHTING’
When and why you started boxing:
I got into the sport when I was 13 years old. I started boxing because I used to watch the Bruce Lee movies, which aroused my interest in fighting. I found a boxing gym nearby, and it all started from there.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Evander Holyfield. He’s my favourite because he was a very technical fighter.
Best fight you’ve seen:
I saw Lucas Matthysse fight Ruslan Provodnikov live, as I boxed on the undercard against Patrick Allotey [w ko 2 – April 2015].
Personal career highlight:
Winning three professional titles – WBO Latino, WBC Youth Inter-continental [both superwelterweight] and WBA Fedecentro [middleweight] – and being highly ranked by the WBO.
Toughest opponent:
Curtis Stevens [l rsf 2 – May 2016]. That was my last fight at middleweight. I feel much more comfortable now that I’m fighting at my ideal weight of 154lbs.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attributes are my strength and punch-power. Sometimes I swap too many shots with my opponents, though!
Training tip:
Master the fundamentals, stay focused and remain dedicated.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I like having pasta at Italian restaurants. I also enjoy eating Mexican food.
Best friends in boxing:
I have a lot friends in boxing. I couldn’t choose a ‘best’ friend out of all of them!