When and why you started boxing:
I started boxing when I was 13 years old up in Mackay, Australia, while I was in the rugby league off season. I saw my good friend and neighbour doing his hand wraps in his front yard. I was interested in what he was doing, so I went along to a session with him. I fell in love with the sport there and then.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker. The ring craft and boxing IQ that guy had was crazy!
Best fight you’ve seen:
It’d have to be the Arturo Gatti-Micky Ward trilogy. Those are the fights you’d show someone who doesn’t know boxing, and it’d make them an instant fan.
Personal career highlight:
My whole professional career has been a highlight. It just keeps getting better.
Toughest opponent:
The 2012 Olympian, Fatih Keles [w ud 10 – June 2019]. He had around 400 amateur fights, so he’d come across a lot of different styles and was well respected in the game. He was a good name to add to my résumé.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best attribute is my competitiveness. My worst is that I hate making weight. I’m of Italian heritage, so I love my food!
Training tip:
Always be the hardest worker in the room.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
Pasta is my favourite meal. It’s hard to pick out just one restaurant. There’s a few good ones in Brisbane, Australia.
Best friends in boxing:
All that make up Team Paro. I’m blessed with the best.
Other sportsperson you would like to be:
Tom Brady! The man is the G.O.A.T.
Last film/TV show you saw:
I recently saw a new Australian movie called High Ground. It’s based around the Indigenous culture of Australia.
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Man, that’s a tough one. I’d go for Justin Bieber or Jason Statham!
Last time you cried:
On January 26 every year I shed a tear for my best friend, Regan Grieve, who passed away on that date in 2015. He’s my biggest motivation.
Best advice received:
When you feel that you’re missing out on something in order to pursue a goal, don’t think of it as a sacrifice, think of it as an investment.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I wouldn’t know. Everybody talks, but it’s only the ones who matter that you should listen to.