60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Paul Wheeler talks to one of Ricky Hatton’s hitmen
‘MY MUM WORKED THE CORNER FOR MANY OF MY AMATEUR FIGHTS’ Jake Haigh
When and why you started boxing:
I did karate as a kid. I was better at kicking rather than punching at first, so I started boxing in order to improve with my fists, and from then on I realised I was good at it.
Favourite all-time fighter:
“GGG” [Gennady Golovkin] because of his technique and power, which makes him interesting to watch.
Best fight you’ve seen:
The first Liam Smith-liam Williams fight. I sat ringside in Manchester for that one. It ticked all the boxes for me.
Personal career highlight:
Being a Junior ABA finalist as an amateur and turning professional under Ricky Hatton.
Toughest opponent:
As a professional, Anthony Fox [w pts 4 – October 2017] has been my toughest opponent. He’s a very durable, hard-working fighter who doesn’t like to take a step backwards.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My height and reach are two of my best attributes. A weakness is that sometimes I’m too relaxed going into the ring.
Training tip:
When in camp, eat well, get your sleep and train to your very best. When not in camp, enjoy yourself.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I love a cookie as a treat. If I’m going out for a meal, I like to go to Rustica. It’s an Italian cafe near my house in Macclesfield.
Best friends in boxing:
My former coach Kevin Bradbury and also my current coaches, Ricky Hatton, Mike Jackson and Blain Younis, plus all of my stablemates in the Hatton camp.
‘MY MUM WORKED MY CORNER FOR MANY OF MY AMATEUR FIGHTS’
Other sportsman you would like to be:
Stephen Curry. I loved playing basketball as a kid and Curry is my favourite player to watch.
Last film/tv show you saw: [TV series] The Punisher on Netflix.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
The Punisher, Jon Bernthal!
Have you ever been starstruck:
Yes, by Michael Buffer. I met him when I was weighing in for my fight against Anthony Fox on the Anthony Crolla-ricky Burns undercard in Manchester last October.
Last time you cried:
When I was watching the film, The
Notebook. It’s very emotional.
Best advice received:
If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, it’s not worth doing.
Worst rumour about yourself:
None, fortunately!
Something not many people know about you:
My mum worked my corner for many of my amateur fights. Also, I have a first-class degree from Salford University.