So todays interview is with Tom. Tom began training with me after his brother trained with me to help prepare for a charity white collar boxing event. Another keen runner, Tom juggles a busy lifestyle yet always remains committed to his training, he only recently welcomed twins to the family! It’s been great to see Toms progress over the months and he can pack a punch with either hand. Read on to see how Tom’s sense of humour is just as good as his boxing skills.
First Name
Tom
What is your job?
Project Manager
How long have you been boxing?
Since Sept 2017
What got you interested in Boxing?
My brother took part in a White Collar Boxing fight last summer, which he really enjoyed. To help him prepare he booked some extra 1 on 1 sessions with Fayz. They got on really well, so my brother suggested I give it a go too.
What do you like most about boxing training?
Couple of things. First is seeing / feeling the improvements in yourself week on week. I started as a complete novice (and my first sessions were pretty terrible!), but it’s amazing how quickly your muscle memory develops and you begin to learn all the combinations. Second, and this may sound a bit old fashioned, but I don’t think there are that ‘manly’ things left in life anymore – especially for my generation. It’s pretty much go to work, look after your kids, eat and sleep. But learning how to box is such a refreshing break from all that. Plus you get fit too!
Do you have any hobbies outside of boxing?
I’ve always been into running, and compete in 10ks and half marathons on a semi regular basis.
Do you follow any other sports?
Football (big Chelsea fan) and cricket are probably my two top sports – but I’ll watch pretty much anything.
Is there a particular sportsman you admire?
John Terry. Chelsea’s most successful captain. A tough, disciplined and uncompromising defender who was/is surprisingly great on the ball too. Plus (most importantly) everyone else hates him.
Which boxers do you enjoy watching and who is or was your favourite boxer?
I’m really fascinated by people who have a darker side – so Sonny Liston and, of course, Mike Tyson. More recently? Probably Ricky Hatton – he really started this new generation of great (successful) English boxers.
If you were to ever compete in the ring, what would be your boxing nickname and your ring walk song?
‘Tom the Bomb’ and probably YMCA by the Village People (just to completely throw my opponent)
What is your prediction for the Anthony Joshua v Joseph Parker fight in March?
As a Watford lad, it has to be Joshua. How amazing is it to say the Heavy Weight Champion of the World….comes from the Meriden Estate!?
You’re Floyd Mayweather Jnr and you’ve just beaten Conor McGregor and made $100 million. What is the first thing you spend your money on?
Some class.
Who would you most like to punch in the face?
Any Spurs fan.
How do you motivate yourself to keep training?
Periodically looking at my gut.
How has the training made a difference to your life?
It clears your head and makes you feel great. Exercising is one of the best antidepressants.
What would you say to someone who wants to take that next step to begin training but just needs that extra motivation to get started?
In terms of boxing? I think a lot of men want to take it up, but feel embarrassed they’ll make a fool of themselves. My advice would be to get some 1 on 1 sessions and just go with it.
Who or what inspires you?
Having kids. Because now I know I can’t basically muck about and coast through life! Everything has to be geared towards doing better so they have the best opportunities.
If you could go back in time to when you was a child, what advice would you give yourself?
If you hit your brother when no one’s looking – it didn’t happen.
Do you have any words of wisdom you live your life by?
Work to live, don’t live to work. And always buy the best you can afford.
Fayz
Fayzfitness.co.uk
info@fayzfitness.co.uk
07887522475
