When and why you started boxing:
I knew a few people who boxed and they always told me that I knew how to throw my hands, even though I’d never done any boxing before and didn’t know anything about the sport. So that’s why I started.
Favourite all-time fighter:
I always loved Roy Jones Jnr’s style of boxing.
Best fight you’ve seen:
The first fight between Jose Luis Castillo and Diego Corrales is always great to watch.
Personal career highlight:
My first televised fight was big for me. [A seventh-round stoppage of Rolando Chinea on Showtime in February 2018.]
Toughest opponent:
Zhora Hamazaryan [w sd 8 – July 2018 & d sd 8 – September 2018]. He was able to hurt me and make me figure out how to survive.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attribute is my jab. As for my worst attribute, I don’t really believe that I have one.
Training tip:
Never cheat yourself because no one can help you once you’re in the ring.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I honestly don’t have a favourite meal or a favourite restaurant. I just love to eat! I mainly eat home-cooked meals.
Best friends in boxing:
Montana Love is really the only boxer that I actually hang around with outside of boxing.
Other sportsperson you would like to be:
I like NASCAR driving. I’ve always thought that I’m the best driver in the world!
Last film/TV show you saw:
The last thing I watched was the Aaron Hernandez documentary series [Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez].
Who would play you in a film of your life:
That’s a good question. My life was rough coming up, so it’d have to be someone who came from a struggle.
Have you ever been starstruck:
I’ve never been starstruck. I’m a fan, but not that type of fan.
Last time you cried:
I can’t remember exactly when it was, but I was riding in my car, listening to music. I think the song reminded me of my dad, who’s passed away. I started dropping tears thinking about him.
Best advice received:
Save money because boxing won’t last forever.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I’ve never heard a rumour about myself. I mean, maybe there has been some talk, but it’s never made its way back to me.
Something not many people know about you:
One thing a lot of people don’t know about me is that I’m as shy as hell. I hate attention.
FAST FACTS
Age: 30
Nickname: ‘Gunna Man’
Height: 5ft 9ins
Nationality: American
From: Cleveland, OH
Stance: Orthodox
Record: 16-2-1 (12)
Division: Lightweight
Next fight: Mattice is set for a six-round clash with Adam Hatibu on Saturday June 19 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.