Paul Wheeler talks to Tom Ansell, a man who switched from the rugby pitch to the boxing ring
When and why you started boxing:
I began boxing in my first year of university, in order to get fit for the rugby pre-season. I started at Elite Fitness Academy in Hitchin.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Manny Pacquiao is my favourite. He’s a multi-weight world champion and he’s always exciting to watch.
Best fight you’ve seen:
I watched Sugar Ray Leonard vs Roberto Duran II the other day. That was definitely a decent fight.
Personal career highlight:
I’d say that getting my first stoppage is my highlight so far. I stopped Aleksandar Chukaleyski in the second round [in October 2017].
Toughest opponent:
Lee Hallett [w pts 6 – October 2018] was the first southpaw I’d ever been up against, so I’d probably pick him.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attribute is my fitness, and my worst is my punch selection.
Training tip:
Always be competitive, either with yourself, your coach or your teammates. By being competitive you’ll achieve better results.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I’m not too sure about my favourite meal. As for my favourite restaurant, that’s a tough one too. I’d go with either The Knife & Cleaver in Houghton Conquest or The Anchor in Aspley Guise.
Best friends in boxing:
I’ve made a lot of good mates in the sport, especially [trainer] Tony Pill and Pill’s Army.
Other sportsperson you would like to be:
I’d choose Owen Farrell or Lewis Hamilton. Farrell is the England rugby captain and he’s achieved almost everything in the game, while Hamilton is already an all-time great in Formula One.
Last film/TV show you saw:
The last programme I watched on TV was MasterChef.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Whoever plays Mr. Chow [Ken Jeong] in The Hangover, apparently!
Have you ever been starstruck:
I haven’t yet. I’m not really the sort of person to be starstruck.
Last time you cried:
When my son was born.
Best advice received:
Believe in yourself and prove you deserve to be here.
Something not many people know about you:
I used to fight at light-heavyweight.