When and why you started boxing:

I knew a few people who boxed and they always told me that I knew how to throw my hands, even though I’d never done any boxing before and didn’t know anything about the sport. So that’s why I started.

Favourite all-time fighter:

I always loved Roy Jones Jnr’s style of boxing.

Best fight you’ve seen:

The first fight between Jose Luis Castillo and Diego Corrales is always great to watch.

Personal career highlight:

My first televised fight was big for me. [A seventh-round stoppage of Rolando Chinea on Showtime in February 2018.]

Toughest opponent:

Zhora Hamazaryan [w sd 8 – July 2018 & d sd 8 – September 2018]. He was able to hurt me and make me figure out how to survive.

Best and worst attributes as a boxer:

My best attribute is my jab. As for my worst attribute, I don’t really believe that I have one.

Training tip:

Never cheat yourself because no one can help you once you’re in the ring.

Favourite meal/restaurant:

I honestly don’t have a favourite meal or a favourite restaurant. I just love to eat! I mainly eat home-cooked meals.

Best friends in boxing:

Montana Love is really the only boxer that I actually hang around with outside of boxing.

Other sportsperson you would like to be:

I like NASCAR driving. I’ve always thought that I’m the best driver in the world!

Last film/TV show you saw:

The last thing I watched was the Aaron Hernandez documentary series [Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez].

Who would play you in a film of your life:

That’s a good question. My life was rough coming up, so it’d have to be someone who came from a struggle.

Have you ever been starstruck:

I’ve never been starstruck. I’m a fan, but not that type of fan.

Last time you cried:

I can’t remember exactly when it was, but I was riding in my car, listening to music. I think the song reminded me of my dad, who’s passed away. I started dropping tears thinking about him.

Best advice received:

Save money because boxing won’t last forever.

Worst rumour about yourself:

I’ve never heard a rumour about myself. I mean, maybe there has been some talk, but it’s never made its way back to me.

Something not many people know about you:

One thing a lot of people don’t know about me is that I’m as shy as hell. I hate attention.

FAST FACTS
Age: 30
Nickname: ‘Gunna Man’
Height: 5ft 9ins
Nationality: American
From: Cleveland, OH
Stance: Orthodox
Record: 16-2-1 (12)
Division: Lightweight
Next fight: Mattice is set for a six-round clash with Adam Hatibu on Saturday June 19 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.