60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Paul Wheeler talks to a man who appreciates the art of a knockout
‘I SOMETIMES FEEL BAD FOR MY OPPONENTS. BOXING IS VICIOUS AND YOU HAVE TO BE SAVAGE’ Dan Azeez
When and why you started boxing:
When I was 19, I came across some Roy Jones Jnr, David Haye and Jean Pascal highlight reels on Youtube. I liked how they knocked out their opponents – they really made it look artistic, so I wanted to try it out.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Marvin Hagler. He was the definition of an ultimate fighter – he fought everyone and did it the hard way. He could box, fight, punch and take a shot.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Marvin Hagler vs Thomas Hearns. Hagler had nothing but destruction on his mind. It was three rounds of war! Another is Evander Holyfield vs Riddick Bowe I. This fight showed that a good big man always beats a good little man. Round 10 is one of the best rounds ever.
Personal career highlight:
I’ll be honest, I don’t think I’ve achieved anything of note yet. I’m looking to change that very soon.
Toughest opponent:
Craig Nicholson [w rsf 4 – March 2018]. He’d never lost before and really came to win.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
You’d have to ask my trainer, Brian “Mr Miyagi” O’shaughnessy, about my strengths. A weakness is that sometimes I feel bad for my opponents. This is a vicious sport and you have to be savage, even if you don’t want to be.
Training tip:
Give 100 per cent and you’ll get 100 per cent in return.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
My favourite meal is pounded yam and egusi soup. It’s a Nigerian dish
‘IT AIN’T HARD TO MAKE ME CRY!’
– real strong man’s food.
Best friends in boxing:
As well as my trainer, there’s also Lawrence Okolie, Umar Sadiq, Muheeb Fazeldin and all of the other Koolboxgym members.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
I like Lebron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and Usain Bolt, but I wouldn’t want to be them. I’m happy being me.
Last film/tv show you saw:
Shrek 2!
Who would play you in a film of your life:
My cousin, Adewale Akinnuoyeagbaje. He’s starred in lots of major films.
Have you ever been starstruck:
All the time! Mostly by Arsenal football players.
Last time you cried:
I actually can’t remember, and it ain’t even that hard to make me cry!
Best advice received:
From Anthony Joshua: “Everyone loves a winner.”
Worst rumour about yourself:
I don’t listen to rumours!
Something not many people know about you:
A lot! And I like it like that!