MARTIN HILLMAN
Andrew Fairley meets a Hammer who is in the form of his life
When and why you started boxing:
I was 12 years old when I started boxing. Dad has always bought the
Boxing News. I picked it up off the side one day, read it, and thought “I want to have a go at that”.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Willie Pep – I’ve watched a lot of footage and the way he could box and move and not get hit was unbelievably good.
Best fight you’ve seen:
One that stands out to me is the first fight between Micky Ward and Arturo Gatti.
Personal career highlight:
I would say my last fight, a 10-round points win over Julius Thomas Kisarawe, is the best win of my career so far – but there is more to come!
Toughest opponent:
I took a chance and went up in weight for a fight and boxed Boy Jones Jnr for the Southern Area super featherweight title as the away fighter a few years ago. I lost on points, but I should never have been boxing at that weight – he was just far too big for me.
Best and worst attributes:
My strengths, I’m told, are that my jab is very good and my chin is solid. My weaknesses I do not want to mention, as you never know, one of my future opponents might be reading this and taking notes!
Training tip:
If it gets hard, then be harder.
Favourite meal:
Pie, mash and liquor with a big mug of tea to wash it down with from a decent pie and mash shop.
Best friends in boxing:
The team in my corner – Joe Elfidh, Sam Latham, Haider Sadik, Dan Woodgate and, of course, my dad.
Which other athlete would you like to be:
I would be a Premier League footballer for the team I’ve always supported and I’m a season ticket holder for: West Ham United.
Last film you saw:
I’ve just seen the new Big George Foreman film. I really enjoyed it.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
No idea – maybe Will Ferrell, because he’s funny and he’s got curly hair like me!
Have you ever been starstruck?
No, but I was very excited when I met and talked to Ricky Hatton and Mark Noble (former West Ham United captain).
Last time you cried:
I shed a tear when my nan passed away last year.
Best advice recieved:
Wear suncream! With my pale white skin this has definitely been great advice!
Worst rumour about yourself
I don’t think there is enough room on this page for all the bad rumours about myself! Some of them I have found quite funny, though.
Something not many people know about you
I am officially a Guinness world record holder!