Home Boxing News Andreas Evangelou: “I’m very optimistic for the future.”

Andreas Evangelou: “I’m very optimistic for the future.”

Ringnews24.com: What made you take up boxing and what age were you?

Andreas Evangelou: Well, boxing has just always been in our family. We’ve never been a football family, for example. My dad’s main sport was always boxing so we’d stay up and watch the boxing from America at 4 in the morning and those were my earliest memories of boxing really. My oldest brother started boxing when I was about 13 and it started the interest for me and my younger brother, like we’d spar in the house for fun. Then when I was 16 we started going to a boxing club. I broke away a bit but my brother Chris carried on and went to the ABAs, Olympic qualifiers and everything. I was always training still at this time though. Then my dad opened the gym up about 8 years ago and I’m now just at the gym every day, and it just became a big part of my life. I think the influence from my dad and my older brother were probably the reasons I started boxing but boxing is my favourite sport and I’d say I’m not just a boxer but a massive boxing fan too.

 

Ringnews24.com: Can you tell us about your amateur career?

Andreas Evangelou: I only had 11 amateur fights but I’ve been to training camps all over the world. In America, at the Wold Card gym, I had 7 sparring contests against professionals and I trained at the Kingsway gym in New York with Chris. I also went to Cyprus for a training camp. So I’d say I’ve got a lot of experience from training all over the world. Although I haven’t had a lot of amateur fights I’d say a lot of the sparring against top fighters in foreign countries against professionals was tougher and more nerve racking than any of the amateur fights I had.

Ringnews24.com: It does sound as though you’ve gained a lot of experience even just from training camps.

Andreas Evangelou: Yeah, definitely. I’ve been to the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles and the Kingsway gym in New York. I went to Tokyo for a month just recently. I went to Cyprus to train with my brother when he fought there in an international amateur tournament. I’ve also sparred around Britain against some good fighters; I went to Wales to spar Nathan Cleverly, I’ve been to Norwich to spar Danny McIntosh, and just generally going wherever I need to in order to learn the craft really.

Ringnews24.com: So you and Chris sometimes go abroad to train together?

Andreas Evangelou: Yeah, we both went to L.A for a month and stayed in a hotel behind the Wild Card gym. We trained in there every day and sparred fighters in there on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Clubs would arrive from different areas to train down there and it was really busy. They’ve got Freddie Roach down there, Jesse Reid, Jesse Reid’s son, and they’ve got all these other coaches there and also loads of professionals.

Ringnews24.com: Why did you go to Japan? I can’t imagine there are a lot of heavy Japanese fighters that would make for good sparring.

Andreas Evangelou: Well, I have friends who teach English out there so I was going there anyway. Then I found a gym out there which trains some really good professionals. One of the better fighters I saw out there is Jorge Linares. I love watching him because he is really technical and his style really flows. I sparred their best heavyweight [Kyotaro Fujimoto] who comes from a mixed martial arts background. I also sparred some of their top middleweights and super middleweights. To be honest, the sparring wasn’t the big issue in the ring; it was the heat more than anything. After 2 rounds of being in the ring it was like fighting 8 to 10 rounds in the UK. I would say I did really well in sparring sessions out there but the heat really does play its role in training out there. Their boxers are quite good but the lighter ones are definitely the most gifted. Their heavier boxers didn’t go easy on me and it was a really good experience for me.

Ringnews24.com: Who did you spar in the USA?

Andreas Evangelou: In the USA, I sparred Roberto Garcia; He fought Antonio Margarito a couple of years ago. He was a bit lighter than me but I’d only had about 3 amateur fights when I fought him whereas he was about 27 fights into his pro career with about 20 knockouts. So I was quite nervous fighting him to be honest but it was good to get rounds in against him. I also sparred a Canadian cruiserweight called Jason Douglas and about 5 other guys. These were all in the Wild Card gym. I’d say those 8 sparring sessions were about the equivalent of quite a few amateur fights. I mean I didn’t want to go in the ring some days because it was so intense. I was only 3 fights into my amateur career so when you’re told you’re going to spar a guy who has had 27 fights and has 20 knockouts it’s quite daunting. I’ve got a lot more experience than my amateur record suggests.

Ringnews24.com: I think sometimes people forget that even amateurs with not much experience spend a lot of time in the gym with experienced fighters.

Andreas Evangelou: Yeah, for sure. I mean in preparation for my 2nd fight I was up in Wales sparring Nathan Cleverly and this was just before his world title fight, so he was peaking. I did a few rounds with him and despite only being one fight into my career I left there feeling really confident, thinking that there’s a ladder I need to climb and I’m not far off it.

Ringnews24.com: You made your pro debut in 2011. Did you not think about participating at the Olympics?

Andreas Evangelou: I don’t think I was in a good position to qualify because some of the guys had been around for a couple of years fighting in the England squad and gaining experience whereas I had only had 11 amateur fights. Also, my brother was already a professional so we had connections with Matchroom Sport. I’d say my style is a little more professional anyway, but if I’d had the opportunity to go to the Olympics I would have definitely taken it. If I’d started boxing earlier I’d have definitely gone down the Olympic route. Winning an Olympic medal has never really been my ambition though; my ambition is to win a world title and that is what I’ve dedicated myself to now. I leave everything else to my dad who manages us, Matchroom Sport, our PR guy Paul [Shattock] and our coaches.

Ringnews24.com: Who is your trainer?

Andreas Evangelou: Paulo Muhongo. He trains both me and Chris. We’ve also got a strength and conditioning coach called T.

Ringnews24.com: How have you found the experience of being a professional so far?

Andreas Evangelou: It’s been amazing. People have so much respect for you when you’re a professional boxer. I mean I walk down the streets now and people recognise me and my brother, I go to restaurants and they know who I am, people ask me for autographs; it’s very surreal. I wasn’t planning on turning pro or being in the public eye or anything like that. I just developed the hunger for boxing and I don’t care about the fame really, I just want to win the titles and live a good life. It’s like having the dream job.

Ringnews24.com: What do you mean when you say you didn’t plan on turning pro?

Andreas Evangelou: Well, Chris was one of the best around as an amateur; everyone knew him in the light welterweight division. He came from a top gym, Haringey Police, which is where Nicola Adams trained. When my brother was there it was one of the best gyms in the country for amateurs. He was beating guys from all over Europe, guys who had had over 100 fights and all that. So I just thought I’d help coach him. When he won the ABAs I was coaching him twice a week and doing 12 to 15 rounds of pads with him. So basically I was living my dream in boxing through my brother. My lifestyle at the time wasn’t what a professional athlete’s lifestyle should be like; I was going out drinking, seeing my mates all the time, just not being disciplined enough. Boxing is a real sport that needs a lot of dedication and if you don’t show it outside of the ring it will affect you inside the ring. So, because I was there for so long I started boxing as an amateur. I was still going out with my mates and all that but I won my 1st fight by knockout in the 1st round, then won my 2nd fight in the 2nd round. Then I kept winning and I was 5 and 0 as an amateur with 2 knockouts. But then I had my 6th fight and it was the toughest fight of my life! Then the fight after that was even worse! I was really huffing and puffing and it was all because I just wasn’t taking my training seriously enough and being complacent. So after that my dad basically said to me “Listen, you’re either going to be a boxer and take this seriously or you’re going to do something else. I’m not going to be in your corner anymore if you’re not dedicated enough.” So anyway, I then had a rematch with that guy and I had a month to train for it. So I just thought I might as well see how it goes. I had the rematch and I battered him. So I realised I can do whatever I want in life but you only get one chance at boxing and have to take it seriously. So really since that day I’ve dedicated myself completely to boxing; I don’t drink anymore, I rarely go out, I eat very healthily, I jog all the time, I’ve sparred a load of great fighters and champions. So, now every single move I make is to become a world champion.

Ringnews24.com: Your brother told me you’re a gym rat.

Andreas Evangelou: Yeah, if anyone beats me in the ring, it will be a damn good fight I tell you because they will need to be fit! I’m addicted to training; I train at least twice a day and then on occasions I’ll do another training session; Like today was my rest today but I went on a 5 mile jog. I just love the buzz of training.

Ringnews24.com: Do you know what you would have done if you hadn’t become a boxer?

Andreas Evangelou: Well, I’ve always liked business and have always liked the idea of owning a restaurant and it’s not out of the question. I also work with youth right now as a mentor. Also, I come from a teaching family; my dad was a teacher, my mum was a teacher, my aunt was a teacher, my older brother is going into lecturing. So I would’ve liked to maybe go into teaching but if not own my own business. I just like working with people, mentoring, seeing people develop, and passing on experiences and knowledge.

Ringnews24.com: You made your debut at Wembley Arena. That must have been amazing experience?

Andreas Evangelou: Yeah, from fighting in small halls as an amateur and then fighting at Wembley Arena was fantastic. I‘d never even been there before. My brother fought there on the same night and we both won. I fought a really good fight and won every round so all in all it was a great experience.

Ringnews24.com: You’ve fought on cards featuring many good fighters. Have you received any good advice from your fellow professionals?

Andreas Evangelou: On the night of a fight I’ve done all my preparations so don’t really talk to that many people. Chris asked Darren Barker how best to go from a 6 round fight to a 10 round fight and he just said just train the hardest you can and try to relax on the night but that you’re going to have nerves on the night. Carl Froch also told us that before every fight he’s nervous too but you just get through it. So I’d say we’ve been given some advice from professionals and learn from their experiences but also that we learn the ropes ourselves.

Ringnews24.com: Your first two fights were on the same card as Chris. Did that make it more relaxing knowing you had your brother nearby to prepare with?

Andreas Evangelou: Yeah, we’ve only fought twice on the same card but it helps knowing you have a familiar face around to prepare with. I mean we train together and help support each other for our fights.

Ringnews24.com: Why haven’t you fought on the same cards together since? I imagine it would be a good selling point.

Andreas Evangelou: It’s a good selling point but because we sell so many tickets each I think promoters look at that and think we might as well have them on separate cards as we always bring a few hundred people. Matchroom Sport has a big stable so to get the both of us on the same card each time will be difficult. Also, from now on I think Chris is going to look to have about 3 fights a year because he’s moving up to title level fights whereas I am really still looking to have 5 or 6 fights in the next year.

Ringnews24.com: Why do you have such a big fanbase in your opinion?

Andreas Evangelou: Our dad is an archbishop and has a lot of respect in the local community and does a lot of work for people.  We’ve been raised in the church I suppose and get a lot of support from them. Then we’ve got our own gym where I suppose we are the main boxers and the only professionals. I think also just the fact we’re nice people and people see that as a good quality and respect that. We’re not rude or arrogant and always have time for people. I also work with expelled youth in the area and they give us a lot of support too. So we have a big family, a lot of friends, a lot of local support, and we’re Greek Cypriot so I suppose that plays a part too. My dad has done a lot of work in Africa in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and it’s always been in our nature to try to help people. So I think people don’t mind paying £50 a ticket to support us.

Ringnews24.com: Your last fight was a draw with Jamie Kelly. How did you feel you did that night?

Andreas Evangelou: I know it’s easy to say this but I honestly thought I did win the fight. I thought the 1st and the 4th rounds I won clearly and he won the 3rd round. But I was winning the 2nd round really comfortably but near the end of the round he caught me with a big punch and it rocked me and then he came to finish me off. So I think he may have been given the round for those 30 seconds. But I can’t complain really because it was a 4 round fight against an undefeated fighter who was 6ft5 tall and was coming to win. On another night I think I would have had it but he was a gentleman after and we showed each other respect and you live and learn.

Ringnews24.com: Was it the fact it was only a four round fight perhaps?

Andreas Evangelou: The shorter the fight the less room there is to recover from making mistakes. You have to get it right from the get go. I think I’m done now with 4 round fights. I’m a thinker in the ring so don’t really like starting off just punching endlessly. I prefer to work out my opponent and then attack. In 18 rounds of boxing, I’ve only lost 3 rounds which I’m happy with.

Ringnews24.com: What changes would you make next time around?

Andreas Evangelou: Before that fight I wasn’t training for about 3 weeks. Then my dad called me to say Frank Warren had offered me a fight at the Royal Albert Hall in 8 days time. I didn’t think I was fit but we had to accept that day. So I went to the gym to see if I was fit enough but I think I basically convinced myself I was fit just because I wanted to fight. I only jogged 5 miles that month before the fight. I thought as long as I’m matched against a guy who wasn’t too highly ranked then I should be okay and then I was told I’d be fighting a tall undefeated fighter so I knew that would be much harder than I’d thought but I don’t back down from a fight and I don’t regret taking the fight. From now on I have to be fit continuously and for every fight. I’ve had 2 fights now with just 8 days notice and in the early days in boxing you sometimes get opportunities at very short notice that you have to accept to get your career moving along.

Ringnews24.com: On top of Wembley Arena, you’ve fought at Olympia, York Hall and the Royal Albert hall. How were those experiences and which was your favourite?

Andreas Evangelou: I hated York Hall when I first boxed there because that was where I had that really tough amateur fight that I mentioned earlier and was my 1st lost so I had a few demons in there. So going back there as a pro was difficult. I was confident on the night but at the back of my mind I still thought about that loss. It was another tough fight there but I did win this time around. Then I fought there again about a month later and it was my easiest fight. So I think I’ve now killed those demons. My favourite venue would have to be the Olympia because I stopped a guy there who had only been stopped twice in 23 fights. That was really good for me and my confidence.

Ringnews24.com: You have a fight lined up on December 8 at Olympia. How has preparation been?

Andreas Evangelou: I’m not sure who I will be fighting yet but I am on the bill and really looking forward to it. I’m hoping it will be a 6 round fight and that is what I will be preparing for. My training for this fight has probably been my toughest camp to date and I now just want to get back in there.

Ringnews24.com: Why haven’t you fought since April?

Andreas Evangelou: Well, I’ve had 2 fights cancelled in the last few months. I had a fight in July and that was cancelled and then I had a fight in September lined up on my brother’s bill at Alexandra Palace and the guy pulled out. It’s frustrating but you don’t know what happens behind the scenes and there are lots of reasons why fights don’t happen and it happens to all of us. I should have had 7 fights by now but I’m looking to make up for it this year by having 5 or 6 fights.

Ringnews24.com: How would you describe your fighting style to somebody who hasn’t seen you in the ring yet?

Andreas Evangelou: I try to do everything really because the best fighters can adapt in the ring. So I try to fight on both the front foot, the back foot, fight as a southpaw, switch to orthodox and all that. Our coach is Cuban so he also likes us to move around a lot. I can use my boxing skills or I can stand toe to toe, I don’t mind.

Ringnews24.com: Do you have a preferred style or stance?

Andreas Evangelou: I like to fight southpaw because the people that I’m fighting take a bit longer to process what I’m doing but I don’t mind fighting orthodox either. I’ve got power in both hands really. My style is really to think in that ring; I don’t want to charge out just punching as I like to think and box clever.

Ringnews24.com: You’re 28 and you’ve had 5 fights since making your debut in February 2011. Has your progress been good so far in your opinion?

Andreas Evangelou: I would say that if I had had those other 2 fights then my progress to date would be perfect. I mean it isn’t like the old days anymore where you need 30 fights to get a British title shot. Ideally I’d like to retire by the time I’m 35 so I have about 7 years left to accomplish that goal. Also, I’d like to have at least 30 fights. I’m not too concerned about my age though because you see a lot of fighters who are in their mid 30s and don’t have anything left because they’ve had so many wars and amateur fights. But I’m still fresh and haven’t been hurt in the ring and I live a very clean lifestyle outside of the ring. I look at Bernard Hopkins, Sergio Martinez and the Klitschko brothers and think if they can do it at their age then I’m really very young still.

Ringnews24.com: What are your goals for the foreseeable future?

Andreas Evangelou: I’d like to have a British title fight by about the time I’m 30 and feel I’m in a good position to do that. If I have 5 or 6 fights in the next year I’ll have had about a dozen fights and that should be enough to challenge for a British title. Then if all goes to plan hopefully I can be at European level by about 31 and then world level by about 32.

Ringnews24.com: You said earlier this year you want to rival Nathan Cleverly as the top light heavyweight in Britain. Is that still your ambition?

Andreas Evangelou: Definitely. I sparred him after just 1 pro fight and did well. If I sparred him now after 5 fights I think I’d do even better this time. The only real difference was that he has a lot more experience and was more relaxed because of the experience he’s gained. But I know it’s realistic for me to go far because I’ve put the hard work in. I know a few fighters who have had less amateur experience than me and still gone far like Johnny Nelson and Ola Afolabi. So yeah, I’m very optimistic for the future.

Ringnews24.com: Britain has some other top talents at the weight like Tony Bellew, Ovill McKenzie, Enzo Maccarinelli, Danny McIntosh, Tony Dodson, Rocky Fielding, and Carl Dilks. Do you see a bright future for yourself among those names in the coming years?

Andreas Evangelou: Yeah, for sure. We have a really good promotion behind us in Matchroom Sport and we have the opportunity to shine really. The harder we train, the further we’re going to go. It’s all about having good performances as you’re really only as good as your last performance. So if I can keep performing well then more doorways will open and I’ll get bigger fights.

Ringnews24.com: Which fighters do you like watching away from the ring?

Andreas Evangelou: My favourite boxers include Jorge Linares, he’s technically really good; I like Miguel Cotto a lot; I’d say I like Floyd Mayweather’s style but wouldn’t say I’m a big fan; I really admire Carl Froch’s heart and his style in the ring. I like how he comes forward and gets stronger as the fight goes on; and I’d say I’m a big fan of Sergio Martinez. Because I’m a southpaw I try to model my style on Martinez. Our Cuban coach tries to get us to move a lot so I like to box in and out, in and out, throw jab, then left and then big right hook and then roll under their lead hand. That’s what he does well so I watch him a lot and take note. As for orthodox style I like to watch Andre Ward and see what he does in the ring.

Ringnews24.com: So you’ve tried to model yourself on two of the best boxers out there today?

Andreas Evangelou: I think you have to! [Laughs] I can’t perfect it like them but I aspire to be as good as them one day. Throw in Carl Froch’s heart and that’s a great package!

Ringnews24.com: I asked your brother Chris this same question: Is the ultimate goal for the both of you to hold world titles at the same time?

Andreas Evangelou: Yeah, that would be amazing. Sometimes you get family members who are at the same weight and so you see them fight the same opponents but we’re at different weights so we’ll never fight the same opponents and that should keep it more exciting. Chris is a very technical boxer and very quick and stylish whereas I’ve got a good level of ability too but I’m more of a switch hitter, strong for my weight and bring something different. Also, as Greek Cypriots it would be amazing to be the first to accomplish something big in boxing for them. I doubt there has been two brothers who have held light welterweight and light heavyweight world titles at the same time either.

Ringnews24.com: Do you have a message for the fans?

Andreas Evangelou: Thanks for all the support! We really appreciate it. The support itself helps open new doorways for us. This is going to be a big year for Team Evangelou and we’re both aiming to be ranked in the top 10 in Great Britain. So yeah just thanks for all the great support.

Ringnews24.com: Thanks for talking to us Andreas!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here