60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Daniel Mole talks to the ‘Mad Man’
‘THE BUILD-UP WAS ALL ABOUT LACY, BUT CALZAGHE BROKE HIS HEART AND TOOK HIM TO SCHOOL’ Michael Mooney
When and why you started boxing:
I started when I was 10 years old. I had so much energy to burn and I just needed an outlet.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Nigel Benn. He took no prisoners and was as hard as nails.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Joe Calzaghe against Jeff Lacy. The build-up was all about Lacy, but Joe broke his heart and took him to school.
Personal career highlight:
When I was nominated for Best Supporting Boxer at the BBBOFC Midlands Area Annual Awards. Also, when I stopped Sam O’maison [in the second round in September 2014] live on TV for all of Worcester to see.
Toughest opponent:
O’maison. He hit like a train! Every shot he threw hurt me. Fortunately, I managed to stop him before he stopped me.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attribute is my heart. I’ve got the will to keep going, even when things get tough. My weakness? Shhh, I can’t tell you that!
Training tip:
Don’t put on weight after a fight. You’ll only have to lose it all over again.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
My favourite meal is spaghetti. Benedictos in Worcester make the best spaghetti I’ve ever eaten.
Best friends in boxing:
BCB’S [Black Country Boxing’s] head trainer, Paul Mann. He’s full of positivity and support for me. [English super-welterweight champ] Adam Harper is a good pal of mine, too. Other sportsman you would like to be:
Mo Farah. He’s the best distance runner on the planet. That’s very inspiring.
Last film/tv show you saw:
At the moment, I’m re-watching
Spartacus, the TV series. I love all that gladiator stuff.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Brad Pitt, obviously. Like he was as the boxer in Snatch!
Have you ever been starstruck:
Yes, when I was sitting ringside at a show with my dad and we were talking to Barry Mcguigan… Barry Mcguigan!
Last time you cried:
When I lost a close friend not too long ago. Bad times.
Best advice received:
Get life insurance and a decent pension, as you never know what’s going to happen in the future.
Worst rumour about yourself:
Nothing, really!
Something not many people know about you:
I’m a massive fan of track and field.
‘I’M RE-WATCHING SPARTACUS. I LOVE ALL THAT GLADIATOR STUFF’