60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Paul Wheeler talks to a Goodfellas fanatic
‘A FULL SCOTTISH BREAKFAST AT GLADSTONES BAR IS WHAT I LOOK FORWARD TO AFTER A FIGHT’ John Thain
When and why you started boxing:
When I was 14, my friends said they were going to Leith Victoria [Amateur Athletic Club] to try boxing, so I invited myself along.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Sugar Ray Leonard. He had it all. Every attribute. Beautiful to watch.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Watching live, I’d say Alex Arthur vs Michael Gomez. You could hear the punches going in.
Personal career highlight:
Winning the Scottish nationals as an amateur and getting my international vest. I lost so many bouts for years before I became a champion, so it meant a lot.
Toughest opponent:
Lee Noble [w pts 6 – September 2012]. I was having to fight through the pain because of my swollen hands. After what he’s been through outside of boxing [fighting cancer], I wish him all the best.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
People have told me that my biggest strength is my jab. As for a weakness, if I was a bigger puncher I think things could’ve been different for me earlier on in my career.
Training tip:
Respect the sport and learn the basics at a real boxing gym. No better place.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
A full Scottish breakfast at Gladstones Bar in Edinburgh is what I look forward to after a fight.
Best friends in boxing:
Everyone at Lochend Boxing Club, including Tommy Philbin, Fundo Mhura and my coaches – Terry Mccormack, Eric Brown and Mike Webb. I’ve had some great times
over and Josh the years Taylor, with too. Paul Appleby
Other sportsman you would like to be: Cristiano Ronaldo. Last film/tv show you saw:
The last film I watched was Goodfellas – for about the 30th
time! Who would play you in a film of your life:
Someone said I look like A.C Slater from Saved by the Bell recently. So maybe Mario Lopez could play me!
Have you ever been starstruck: When I met Sugar Ray Leonard. Last time you cried:
Last year, I was watching a US drama show called This Is US.A scene reminded me of my late dad, and I lost it. He was a good man.
Best advice received:
From my dad: “Don’t put so much pressure on yourself.”
Worst rumour about yourself:
Probably that I name-drop all the time!
Something not many people know about you: I don’t drink alcohol, and I play the guitar now and then.
‘SOMEONE SAID I’M LIKE A.C SLATER FROM SAVED BY THE
BELL RECENTLY’