Amar Kayani: ‘Because of street fights most of the teeth in the front of my mouth are fake’

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Amar Kayani

Simon Downing

George Storr speaks to fighting man Amar Kayani

When and why you started boxing:

Growing up I was bullied a bit. I was a scrawny kid and I wanted to build up some confidence and self-esteem, so that’s why I started boxing.

Favourite all-time fighter:

I’m a big fan of Erislandy Lara and Vasiliy Lomachenko, but my all-time favourite has got to be Muhammad Ali.

Best fight you’ve seen:

I really enjoyed the heavyweight scrap between Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora – the first one. That’s the most entertaining fight I’ve seen in person.

Personal career highlight:

When I think about walking out for my pro debut it still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

Toughest opponent:

Denzel Bentley. I fought him in the amateurs and he’s obviously the British middleweight champion now as a pro. He had a similar style to me but I used lateral movement and landed some big shots to beat him.

Best and worst attributes as a boxer:

I’m quite quick and strong, but I don’t go for the finish enough when I have someone hurt.

Training tip:

Do your own work – don’t leave everything in your coaches’ hands.

Favourite meal/restaurant:

Grilled chicken with a hot marinade is my favourite food. In camp I have it with rice or salad. Out of camp I have it with chips.

Best friends in boxing:

My brothers and cousins – they’re all amateur boxers!

Other sportsperson you would like to be:

An MMA fighter. I do a bit of wrestling for my strength and conditioning. It’s a good workout.

Last film/TV show you saw:

I watched the Errol Spence Jnr-Danny Garcia Fight Camp documentary before their fight.

Who would play you in a film of your life:

Jake Gyllenhaal. He’s my favourite actor.

Have you ever been starstruck:

Not really, but I was very excited when I saw James DeGale. I was 13 and he’d just won the Olympics.

Last time you cried:

I don’t really cry, but there was something in my eye when I went for a run this morning!

Best advice received:

My dad said to me a long time ago, ‘Have patience and pray to God.’

Worst rumour about yourself:

People make fake accounts of me on Tinder.

Something not many people know about you:

Most of the teeth in the front of my mouth are fake, because of the street fights I used to get into.

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