Age started boxing: The first time I put gloves on I was 13 and I was sparrin’ in the playground. This kid just started boxing and wanted to see how tough he was and he figured he was going to beat me up, so he asked me to put the gloves on and box with him. So I put the gloves on and ended up whopping him up. The next day I went to the gym with him and the rest is history.

First boxing memory: Learning footwork.

Inspiration: The Rocky movie inspired me. It was just an awesome story.

Favourite all-time fighter: Rocky Marciano. He was never the most talented, but he was hard-working, tough and very determined. That’s the way I am. A lot of people didn’t expect Marciano to beat Jersey Joe Walcott or Archie Moore, but he did.

Best fight seen: Gatti-Ward I.

Pre-fight meal: Chicken breast with brown rice and a piece of broccoli and water.

What do you do to relax: I like to read.

Pre-fight superstition: I’m not superstitious, I just read the Bible and pray before a fight.

What training (if any) do you do between fights:Weight training and running.

Typical breakfast: Omelette with a bowl of oatmeal.

Toughest part of being a boxer: There’s no guarantees.

Favourite music: Alternative.

Last book you read: Your Best Life Now by Joel Olsteen

Favourite film: Gladiator

What car do you drive: Ford Explorer.

Where do you train: California, PA – a training camp up in the mountains. John Turner, Lenny Shaw used to train fighters up there. Bert Cooper used to train there. It’s a very nice place.

Training routine: Monday, Wednesday, Friday run and floor work. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday boxing days.

Toughest man faced: Vinny Maddalone. The first time I fought him, the guy was like the terminator – you could hit him with a bomb and he’d keep coming. He was very tough and he could punch. He was very determined that day, which made our fight that much better. He wasn’t the best skilled fighter I ever faced but he was certainly the toughest.

What supplements do you take: Hornet juice

What would you be if you weren’t a boxer: A construction worker. That’s what I did before I was a boxer.

Last place you went on holiday: New York City for the Klitschko-Brock fight.

Best boxer in the sport today: I’d have said James Toney before his second loss to Sam Peter, but then I’m kinda partial to the heavyweights. Pound for pound, it’s got to be Floyd Mayweather Jnr. I don’t know anybody who can compare to him. He’s phenomenal.

Favourite football team: Pittsburgh Steelers.