Alfie Winter: ‘Nothing compares to getting the ring and sparring for the first time’ – Boxing News

When and why you started boxing:
I started when I was 16. Like anyone I thought I could have a fight. Fell in love with it, nothing compares to getting in the ring and sparring for the first time. I think the first time I sparred I got bashed up by a 13-year-old, it definitely humbles you.

Favourite all-time fighter:
There’s only one I can say I’ve been absolutely mesmerised by over the years and that’s Muhammad Ali. Watching Muhammad Ali, it’s like poetry, isn’t it?

Best fight you’ve seen:
Hagler-Hearns. Flat out. Unbelievable fight.

Personal career highlight:
I’d say the Haringey Box Cup in 2017. I won gold there, three fights in three days and three wins is an achievement in itself but to do it in a box cup like that.

Toughest opponent:
You never have an easy fight and every opponent’s tough in different ways. I wouldn’t say there was one stand out tough opponent.

Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best, I’d say, is my brain. I like to think my way through a fight. My worst, I can’t sit still. I’ve always got to be doing something when sometimes you’ve got to sit and have a little bit of rest. My worst is I’m hyperactive, I’ve got to be doing something all the time.

Training tip:
Don’t let emotions play too much of a part in your training. Don’t ride the highs or dip in the lows too much.

Favourite meal/restaurant:
I already know where I’m going after the fight. Have a proper, naughty, greasy pizza, not even a nice one.

Best friends in boxing:
My dad, he’s been there through the whole thing and he really is my best mate in boxing and in life. All my amateur coaches. Boxing’s full of good people.

Other sportsperson you would like to be:
I haven’t thought about it. I’m very happy being me!

Have you ever been starstruck:
I’ve never been starstuck because everyone’s just another person. They’re just in the public eye. I just see everyone as the same, I wouldn’t put anyone up there on a pedestal.

Last time you cried:
I cry all the time. I’m an emotional man. Since having my daughter she’s turned me soft. She’s two but she’s turned me into an emotional wreck.

Best advice received:
There’s only one phrase ringing round my head, and that’s only because my dad doesn’t stop saying it. Just let everyone else do the wrong thing, you do the right thing.

Something not many people know about you:
What you see is what you get, I would say. Everyone who knows me knows it’s boxing, boxing, boxing. If I’m not boxing, I’m thinking about boxing.