Ringnews24.com: You have a fight coming up against James Oliphant. How did that fight come about and which other boxers were you looking at?
After the Joshua fight I needed a fight where I could get back into winning ways and James was available, so my manager Carl Greaves put me on a local show – I say win but you never know in this game .
Ringnews24.com: Who is your current trainer and where do you train?
I have a pad man, Michael Robinson who helps me out with pads. As fitness goes I do all myself which has never been a problem as that’s my job also. I train at my own gym Hardknocks boxing MMA and fitness in Melton, Mowbray .
Ringnews24.com: You are currently in the middle of a training camp to prepare for Oliphant, could you tell us a little about your camp?
I train six days a week twice a day – pads, rowing machine, bike intervals, weights, running, sparring. I have Lenny Buttling sparring me at the min who is tough and game and is also like James Oliphant, so it’s all perfect .
Ringnews24.com: How is your training going and how would you compare it to other training camps that you have done?
This camp has to be one of my best, things are starting to gel on pads and in sparring. I’m still very hungry and the public don’t see or know about short notice fights etc.
Ringnews24.com: Who have you been sparring in preparation for Oliphant?
Lenny Buttling, he’s a unbeaten unlicensed fighter very much like James, comes forward throwing shots .
Ringnews24.com: Have you done anything differently in this camp compared to other training camps?
Yes, I have a new diet plan which has been wicked this time round. Pads a lot more, which has really helped with timing and variation of shots .
Ringnews24.com: Have you seen much footage of Oliphant and what do you think of him as a fighter?
I respect all fighters but it’s the fight game, so friend’s at the end .
Ringnews24.com: Do you have a prediction of how the fight will end?
He has never been stopped so I really wanna stop him 3rd or 4th round.
Ringnews24.com: You are fighting on March 1st, at the North Kesteven Centre, have you visited the venue before?
Yes, I’ve boxed there once before, it’s a wicked little venue, great atmosphere .
Ringnews24.com Who is going to be in your corner on the night? And what do they bring to Team Butlin?
Carl Greaves will be in my corner, so I can’t ask for much more and a big part of my team is my sponsor, Mark Yates of Midland Mini Piling who has helped me massively .
Ringnews24.com: How can fans watch the fight? Is the fight on TV and what channel?
No this is a small hall show so no TV, which is a real shame as Carl always puts on great shows.
Ringnews24.com: After your victory, are there any fighters that you would like to call out?
I’ve just been told I’m fighting end of May against Shane McPhilbin for the Midland area title so I can’t wait for that. As people know I’ll fight everyone if the money is right and, yes, I will get up and try and fight .
Ringnews24.com: Do you have a message for the fans?
Just stick with me, I’m still hungry – Always training hard and I always fight to win.
Ringnews24.com: Thanks for doing an interview with Ringnews24, we wish you all the best on the night.
