Age started boxing: 11 at the Paisley YMCA club.

First boxing memory: The Rocky films. And then the reality of going up to a real gym.

Inspiration: My family give me the urge to do well in the ring and financially. My wife Caroline and my two kids Chloe (7) and Shaun (5).

Favourite all-time fighter: Muhammad Ali. He was a great fighter but it was all that came with it as well. He was a great showman and stood up for what he believed in.

Best fight you’ve seen: Barrera-Morales I. Or Ward-Gatti I. Ward-Gatti was an absolute barroom brawl, but Barrera-Morales is the best because the skill levels were higher.

Pre-fight meal: Straight after the weigh-in I have chicken pasta and maybe a bit of garlic bread. On the day of the fight I’ll have porridge and sometimes a little bit of custard – it’s a trick I got from Peter Harrison; it’s full of carbs.

What do you do to relax: I chill, go to the cinema with the kids and I also like to fish.

Pre-fight superstition: I’ve got a friend who’s wife gives me a wee religious thing for every fight. She’s done it since I joined Braveheart – I think she thought I needed the help!

What training (if any) do you do between fights: My post run, a bit of swimming and gym work.

Typical breakfast: Porridge with honey.

Toughest part of being a boxer: The discipline – the hours at the gym and coming in at night when the kids are tucked up

Favourite music: I’m a big Oasis fan and I like a bit of old-school dance when I’m running.

Last book you read: Roy Keane’s autobiography.

Favourite film: Cinderella Man.

What car do you drive: Hyundai Accent.

Where do you train: St Mirren’s football ground.

Training routine: We mix it up. Monday, Wednesday and Friday I do a six-mile run in the morning then sparring and heavy-bag work at about 5.30pm. Tuesday and Thursday, I do lots of interval running and run up and down the stairs at the football ground. I also do padwork and weights. I usually have one weekend day off.

Toughest man faced: At the time I fought him, David Barnes. He was really explosive back then. He seems to have lost that since he moved down in weight.

What supplements do you take: Myoplex protein shakes.

Job outside boxing: Postman.

Last place you went on holiday: Tenerife with my family.

Best boxer in the sport today: Joe Calzaghe – I’ve always picked a southpaw.

Favourite football team: Glasgow Celtic.