[I raise a brow at the speed and seeming exactitude of his ambition.] Well, maybe four years, ... As long as I don't allow myself to get distracted I think that's possible. If I keep focused like Morales or Barrera then I can do it. Why not? |
Everyone I box now is going to be after me, but that's what I want - to be tested to the full. |
Haroon is already a Four Nation and British champion and he thinks he's going to be better than me. We spar a lot and sometimes, even though he weighs only 6½ stone, he can hurt me. I give him one back then - just to let him know who's boss. |
He gave me a good test. There's a lot more. I'm only 19 and I've a long way to go. Frank will pick the right fights for me and hopefully I'll be on the right track for a world title. |
He was exactly what I needed because he was strong and took a good punch. |
He's very strong and I hit him with most of the punches I've got and he still stood there. But I've done the four rounds now and I found it very easy. In the first fight I rushed a bit but I pace myself and I was getting better shots in. |
I get a lot of letters and fan mail from Scotland, |
I think I'm as good as the Russians and the Cubans but I've got my feet on the ground. Now that I've got a medal it is a huge thing for somebody my age. The pressure is off now and I'll be relaxed, calm and cool headed for the next fight. |
I want to be a world and Olympic champion as an amateur. |
I was very impressed with Amir, |
I've adapted my footwork and my punches are a lot harder now. My first fight was like my amateur fights. I went in there with fast feet and fast hands but now I've slowed it down so I'm adapting to it and getting more power into my shots. |
It happened so quick and it's gone totally mad since then, |
It's definitely a relief not to get as much attention for this fight because it means I can just get on with it just like any other fight, |
Like many who feel exiled, it is a primal requirement to return to your roots. And this project has built that bridge for me. |
My warm-up was harder than the fight. |