60-SECOND INTERVIEW
Paul Wheeler talks to a man who has revealed a dark deodorant secret
‘PETER MCGRAIL, ANDREW CAIN… THE HARDEST PEOPLE I’VE BEEN IN THE RING WITH ARE FROM MY GYM’ Brad Strand
When and why you started boxing:
I was nine years old when I started boxing. I was a bit little at school, so my dad decided to take me to Kirkby ABC.
Favourite all-time fighter:
My favourite fighter ever is Thomas Hearns because of his big right hand.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Any of Canelo Alvarez’s fights that I’ve seen on TV.
Personal career highlight:
As an amateur, it’d be winning the England Boxing Senior National Elite Championships – formerly known as the ABAS – in April 2018. [Strand, boxing for Everton Red Triangle, beat Kings Heath’s Liam Davies in the bantamweight final].
Toughest opponent:
It’d be either [highly decorated amateur] Peter Mcgrail or [unbeaten professional] Andrew Cain in sparring. The hardest people I’ve been in the ring with are from my gym.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I’d like to think that I don’t have any weaknesses. My main strength is my speed.
Training tip:
I’d just advise you to stay dedicated and train hard.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
My favourite meal is pasta. I love eating at Casa Italia in Liverpool.
Best friends in boxing:
[Undefeated pro] Nick Ball is my best friend in the sport. We were at Kirkby ABC together.
Other sportsman you would like to be:
I’d be a professional footballer if I wasn’t a boxer.
‘WHEN I WAS 12 I WANTED TO QUIT BOXING BUT MY DAD JUST TOLD ME TO KEEP GOING’
Last film/tv show you saw:
I’ve been watching the series,
Power, recently.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
I’d pick Tom Cruise to play me.
Have you ever been starstruck:
No, I don’t think I have you know.
Last time you cried:
I think it was probably at my auntie’s funeral about eight months ago.
Best advice received:
When I was about 12, I wanted to quit boxing, but my dad just told me to keep going. If I hadn’t listened to him then I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I haven’t heard any bad rumours about myself yet.
Something not many people know about you:
I wear women’s deodorant! I like using the pink Sure spray.