60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Andrew Fairley talks to a former pro footballer who is on the title hunt this weekend
‘AWAY FROM THE BOXING RING I’M A SOFT TOUCH. MY FAMILY MEAN THE WORLD TO ME’ David Birmingham
When and why you started boxing:
I first boxed on a charity show to support my former Portsmouth FC teammate Dave Waterman and the Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation after the loss of his son to leukaemia. They have caravans around the South Coast where seriously ill children and their families can stay for respite during their treatment.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Arturo Gatti. He was an all-action fighter who wore his heart on his sleeve and never backed down.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Gatti versus Micky Ward. They had three unbelievable wars!
Personal career highlight:
Getting the opportunity to fight for the Southern Area title for a second time this weekend.
Toughest opponent:
Paul Hyland Jnr [l rsf 4 – April 2018]. He was a sharp and very accurate boxer.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My strengths are my determination and fitness. My weakness is that I can be too brave for my own good at times.
Training tip:
Train hard, fight easy.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I love a roast minted lamb dinner. My favourite restaurant is Frankie & Benny’s. I often go there with my daughter, Lylah.
Best friends in boxing:
My gym-mates Lucas Ballingall, Michael Mckinson, Garry Neale and Gav Jones.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
Frank Lampard. He achieved so much in football. Last film/tv show you saw:
The last film I watched was
Bird Box. The last TV programme was The Inbetweeners: Fwends Reunited.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Jason Statham, because we have the same haircut!
Have you ever been starstruck:
When I was an apprentice at AFC Bournemouth, the first team played a friendly against Manchester United. I got to meet David Beckham and Alex Ferguson, which was unreal! Boxing-wise, it was great meeting Lee Selby. What a nice lad he is.
Last time you cried:
Watching my daughter cry with joy over her Christmas presents brought a tear to my eye.
Best advice received:
Try your best and give 100 per cent at all times.
Worst rumour about yourself:
When I was playing football, a rumour went round that I was leaving Portsmouth to sign for Southampton. Being a Pompey lad and given the rivalry between the clubs, it was a rumour that I had to crush fast!
Something not many people know about you:
Away from the boxing ring I’m a soft touch. My family mean the world to me.