Shakan Pitters: ‘Always go hard’

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Paul Wheeler talks to Shakan Pitters, a man who loved the energy of Mike Tyson fights

When and why you started boxing:
I first started boxing at 22 years old when I was expecting my daughter. She gave me the drive to want to do well to set her on the best path in life.

Favourite all-time fighter:
Tommy Hearns for his aggression and shot selection, and Floyd Mayweather for his ability to be very adaptable and smart in the ring.

Best fight you’ve seen:
I used to love watching Mike Tyson fights. You could feel the arena energy through the TV.

Personal career highlight:
Fighting on Amir Khan’s undercard in my hometown of Birmingham and also winning my first major professional title – the English light-heavyweight title.

Toughest opponent:
Dec Spelman, who I’ve fought twice [w ud 3 – Nov 2018 & w ud 10 – Sep 2019].

Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I’ll leave my strengths and weaknesses for the critics to speculate on. I just keep working in the gym to be best all-round fighter I can be.

Training tip:
Always go hard. Boxing’s not here forever for any fighter, so it’s always important to give the best account of yourself in training and in fights.

Favourite meal/restaurant:
It’s got to be Caribbean food. Jerk chicken and steamed fish with hard food and dumplings.

Best friends in boxing:
I’d class my gym-mates as my best friends, as we know each other really well.

Other sportsman you would like to be:
I’d only like to be Shakan Pitters.

Last film/TV show you saw:
The Michael Jordan documentary series on Netflix – The Last Dance.

Who would play you in a film of your life:
Myself, but if I had to choose someone else it’d be Michael B. Jordan or Idris Elba.

Have you ever been starstruck:
I don’t get starstruck. I appreciate everyone as a person – celebrity or not – as we’re all just human beings.

Last time you cried:
I’m not really the emotional type but I’ve had my moments. People don’t really see that side of me.

Best advice received:
Treat people as you wish to be treated yourself.

Worst rumour about yourself:
I’ve not heard any rumours about myself. Sadly though, there’s been a few fake social media profiles pretending to be me.

Something not many people know about you:
I passed law at college, I like to cook and I worked in a warehouse during my first two years as a professional boxer.

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