60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Paul Wheeler talks to a man who always puts in the extra graft
‘ANYONE WHO KNOWS ME KNOWS THAT I ALWAYS PUT IN THE EXTRA GRAFT, WITHOUT HESITATION’ Tom Mcginley
When and why you started boxing:
I started boxing when I was 22 years old. I used to play football before that, but I had to stop after rupturing my cruciate ligament several times.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Manny Pacquiao. I believe, in his prime, he could’ve beaten anyone. The work rate he puts into his fights is phenomenal. Plus, he’s a southpaw, like me.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Muhammad Ali versus George Foreman – The Rumble in the Jungle.
Personal career highlight:
Outpointing Martin Hillman away from home [in Maidstone] in my first eight-rounder last February.
Toughest opponent:
Damian Lawniczak, who I fought on my professional debut [l pts 4 – June 2016]. He never stopped coming forward, no matter what I threw at him. I learnt more from that fight than any other.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attributes are my fitness levels and work rate. Anyone who knows me knows that I always put in the extra graft, without hesitation. So when I get in that ring, I know I’ll always be as fit as I possibly can be. My weakness is that I cut easily.
Training tip:
You’re a long time retired, so give it all you have while you still can. Also, you can never out-train a bad diet.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
Curry! Chicken madras to be specific.
Best friends in boxing:
‘I WAS STARSTRUCK WHEN I MET WOLF FROM GLADIATORS WHEN I WAS ABOUT SEVEN YEARS OLD!’
All of my Champions Gym teammates and my trainer, Russ Smith.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
I wouldn’t mind a few quid out of Floyd Mayweather’s wallet!
Last film/tv show you saw:
[Documentary series] Orangutan Jungle School. Watch it!
Who would play you in a film of your life:
I’d have to pick Danny Devito!
Have you ever been starstruck:
Yes, when I met Wolf from
Gladiators when I was about seven years old!
Last time you cried:
When I lost on my pro debut.
Best advice received:
Don’t rely on luck. Most of the time you make your own luck anyway.
Worst rumour about yourself:
That I have a fried egg tattooed on my bum cheek!
Something not many people know about you:
I’m scared of open water.