Ringnews24.com: You have a fight coming up against Josef Krivka. How did that fight come about and which other boxers were you looking at?
We were waiting for confirmation that I was mandatory for the Southern Area, that took longer than planned so we took this fight as a trial run for that.
Ringnews24.com: Who is your current trainer and were do you train?
My trainer is former British and world champion Jason Rowland and we train at The Pro-SW Gym in Loughton.
Ringnews24.com: What has been the best piece of boxing advice you have received in your career?
My dad trained me throughout my amateur career and he always told me you could win a fight with the jab – he wasn’t wrong.
Ringnews24.com: You are currently in the middle of a training camp to prepare for Krivka, could you tell us a little about your camp?
The camp has been brilliant. I came in early to help Tony Conquest prepare for his Commonwealth title fight last month and just kept going since.
Ringnews24.com: How is your training going, and how would you compare it to other training camps that you have done?
A lot longer than usual, but I’ve never been passed 6 rounds before so stepping up to 10 rounds required a longer, harder training camp. I’m over the moon with how it’s gone.
Ringnews24.com: Who have you been sparring in preparation for Krivka?
As I mentioned, I’ve done a lot with Tony, had some invaluable work with Nathan Cleverly and a few top amateurs to help me keep my speed. We plan on bringing in some sparring this week who can replicate Krivka’s style which will put the finishing touches to camp.
Ringnews24.com: Have you seen much footage of Krivka, and what do you think of him as a fighter?
I’ve not seen a lot to be honest but what I have seen he looks decent. He’s a bit wild but can punch which makes him dangerous early on. I’ll have a look at him for a round or two then I’ll get to work.
Ringnews24.com: Do you have a prediction of how the fight will end?
I have only boxed 4 rounds since July so I could really use some rounds in the bank. All the sparring in the world isn’t the same as doing it for real. So I’ll take a look at him, figure him out then look to break him up. I’m not fussed about getting the knock out, I just want to look good, learn and most importantly, get my hands on that belt.
Ringnews24.com Who is going to be in your corner on the night? and what do they bring to Team Shinkwin?
Obviously I have leading man Jason Rowland, my manager and cuts man Richard Clark, my conditioning coach Joe Reemer and Stevie O’Shea. Together we make the perfect team. They all bring something different but once the bell goes it’s all on me.
Ringnews24.com: How can fans watch the fight? Is the fight on TV and what channel?
Unfortunately it’s not on TV. But should be up on Steve Goodwin’s YouTube channel a day or two after.
Ringnews24.com: After your victory, are there any fighters that you would like to call out?
I’m not one for calling people out. I don’t need too. It’s all about taking small steps in the right direction and taking the right fight at the right time. I’m mandatory for the Southern Area which will be my next fight after this one. That has to take place before the end of May. So by June I will have two belts around my waist and will hopefully become a wanted man!
Ringnews24.com: Do you have a message for the fans?
My support since I turned pro has been phenomenal. This fight is no different, so to everyone who has bought a ticket, for this fight or previous fights, I would like to say a massive thank you.
Ringnews24.com: Thanks for doing an interview with Ringnews24, we wish you all the best on the night.
Thank you, really appreciate it.
