When and why you started boxing:
My stepfather first took me to the boxing gym in 1997, when I was 12 years old. The story behind this is very important. My stepfather owned a car garage, and one day a man took his car to the garage to get it repaired. My stepfather and the man started talking and got to know each other. As it turned out, the man was to later become my boxing coach! So this chance meeting at a car garage is how my journey in the sport began.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Mike Tyson is my all-time favourite fighter. I admired his aggressive, attacking style, as well as his boxing brain and clever use of tactics. I also enjoyed watching a shorter fighter knocking out taller ones!
Best fight you’ve seen:
My choice for the best fight that I’ve ever seen would have to be Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman in ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’. The blend of different styles and characters made it such an incredible spectacle.
Personal career highlight:
I won many medals as an amateur boxer, but my goal as a professional is to win world titles and achieve the status of undisputed champion.
Toughest opponent:
I believe that my toughest opponents are still to come.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
As a boxer, having the desire to train hard in order to achieve your goals is the best attribute that you can have. The worst thing that any boxer can do is to doubt themselves.
Training tip:
Never deviate from your goal.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
My favourite meal is pasta, but I don’t have a favourite restaurant.
Best friends in boxing:
I stay in touch with a lot of boxers from around the world, but my real friends are from outside of the sport.
Other sportsperson you would like to be:
There isn’t anyone else who I’d like to be.
Last film/TV show you saw:
I’ve seen it before, but I recently watched Predator again – the film with Arnold Schwarzenegger. I also like comedy films, such as The Hangover, with Mike Tyson, and Ted, with Mark Wahlberg.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
No one but myself!
Have you ever been starstruck:
I’ve never been starstruck before and I don’t think I ever will be.
Best advice received:
The best advice that I’ve received in my life came from my stepfather. He told me not to be afraid of anyone, as they’re just people like me – we’re all the same.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I don’t pay attention to rumours.
Something not many people know about you:
Anything that people don’t know about me is personal, so it’ll remain that way!