Are there not some Mike Tyson-style dirty tricks you could teach me?
I don’t fight dirty. Look at my face, I’m angelic. But there are guys who’d try and give you digs in the nuts or an elbow in to the chest. I boxed a Russian guy and got four cuts on the face from head butts. Look at the scars I have. But I’m married now so I don’t care.
Doctors and medical associations have repeatedly called for a ban on boxing and use Mohammed Ali as an example of the long-term effects of the sport. Do you not worry that getting repeatedly hit over the head will take its toll sooner than later?
No. If I was worried about the danger there’d be no point me boxing anymore. In terms of dangerous sports rugby’s a lot more dangerous. There are more paraplegics in that sport than boxing. And what about rock climbing? Just because that sport doesn’t get any press, no one bothers them. If you’re trained correctly you don’t get hurt. You have to be smart. It’s like fencing, if you’re a dumbass going in there, you’re gonna get your ass kicked.
Would you mind your kids boxing?
I’d have nothing against my kids coming into boxing. It teaches you discipline, timing and respect, and plus you look at a gym like this where people like my dad come in for free and give up their time to look after other people’s kids. Where else would you find that? I love this sport. I love performing. It’s not every day you get to be cheered on by thousands of your own fans… or, of course, get on the front cover of Totally Dublin.
What do you do to unwind after a fight?
As little as possible. I relax and watch Dublin or Liverpool. But I’m always training, five days a week, running in the morning and training with my dad or up in Belfast in the evening.
This year you’re hopefully going to get a chance to fight Michael Hunter for the European Title. Are you confident?
I’d fight Michael Hunter now. And I believe I’d beat him. He’s got balls, plenty of fitness and stamina. I saw him fight, get knocked down twice and still come back to win. But I think once I hit him, he’ll know I’m the bigger puncher.
It’s Valentine’s Day. Even boxers have to be romantic today. Do you have any plans for you and your wife?
Watch Liverpool beat Arsenal. I’m married two years now; my wife and I understand each other.
