British Heavyweight Boxing: Paul Butlin

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We have had the opportunity to catch up with British Heavyweight Paul Butlin, who has kindly given up some free time to give us a Q&A session,

BHB - Hi Paul firstly thank you for taking the time to do this Q&A with us,

You have a big fight with Nottingham's Shane 'Mr Block' Mcphilbin on 17th May for the Vacant Midlands Heavyweight Title, How is training going?

PB - Training has gone amazing for this fight.. Probably one of the best camps iv'e ever had , Sparring, Running & pads all bang on for this fight.

BHB - How well do you know Shane & have you done much sparring together in the past?

PB - I know Shane through him coming down my gym for sparring & having the same manager, Carl Greaves.

BHB - You turned down a fight with American Eddie Chambers, now a part of 'Team Fury' in preference to this fight with Mcphilbin, was that a personal or financial decision?

PB - Personal, I really want this Title, Of course the money to fight Chambers was a lot more money, But this Title is through hunger which I still have for the game.

BHB - Having fought at some of the biggest names in the sport such as Dereck Chisora (twice) Johnathon Banks, Edmund Gerber, Albert Sosnowski & Lucas Browne to name just a few, Do you relish the challenge of being the underdog trying to cause an upset more than being the favorite at a small hall show?

PB - Either really, I get the buzz either way... I do like the challenge of highly ranked fighters at short notice because one win could get me bigger fights.

BHB - Dereck Chisora famously bit your ear in 2009, how is your relationship with Dereck now?

PB - Iv'e not seen Dereck for a while, Of course I was pissed for years but Iv'e let that one slide.. I still say he but me in frustration as he couldn't stop me, But I do think he's one of the most improved heavyweights in the UK right now.

BHB - You have traveled abroad to fight, as well as all over the UK against some of the highest ranking heavyweights around, in which fight did you earn your highest purse?

PB - Fighting big Larry as it was 24 hours notice, But I always get paid well fighting good lads, And they pay as I will get up & fight.

BHB - You got stopped in the 5th round against Scotland's Gary Cornish, at the time you felt it was a low blow, looking back now do you still stand by your thoughts that it was an illegal blow ?

PB - Yeah defo low blow, It was a joke & he knows it but to be fair I was losing the fight, But I was coming on strong! ... He has to live with that not me.

BHB - Recently you were in with Anthony Joshua, Was he the challenge you expected or did he surprise you with anything?

PB - He surprised me with his power & speed, I have never been hit so hard in my life & the shot that put me down with was very accurate, Great shot.

BHB - Sticking with Joshua, He has most of Britain's hopes on his shoulders, Do you believe he will be a World Champion & do you have any words of advice for him?

PB - Yeah he will go to the top trust me, I should know, Iv'e been in with them all... I had 10 weeks notice, I felt fit & strong & he ruined me! ..... Iv'e already chatted on email after the fight, Joshua is a cracking lad, I told him to stay grounded & not to change with fame, He's lucky to have a great trainer & Matchroom behind him.

BHB - Who did you enjoy watching box before you made the decision to turn professional yourself?

PB - Of course there's only one Mike Tyson, My favorite fighter, I also liked Benn, Eubank & Naz

BHB - You have had 30 professional bouts since 2002 & having just turned 38 years old, still receiving offers for fights with Eddie Chambers & title fights is an achievement in itself, but have you set yourself any other goals in boxing?

PB - Yeah of course I'm always learning, I started boxing at 24 & turned pro at 26, I dont smoke or party & love the training side as much as fighting.

BHB - Some fighters set themselves retirement dates, have you given any thought to hanging up the gloves?

PB - I will know trust me, If every fight was as tough as Joshua then yeah, time to finish.... but i'm back on it & feeling so strong & ready to beat on Shane!

BHB - You have a gym in Melton Mowbray Leicestershire, but what other hobbies do you enjoy away from boxing?

PB - Yes my Gym Hardknocks - Boxing, MMA & Fitness which is really busy, mostly based around fitness side, Hobbies are boxing! (laughs out loud) & of course spending time with my wife Emma & kids Georgia, Amelia & Oscar.

BHB - We have two huge fights coming up here in England this year, Froch vs Groves (2) & Chisora vs Fury (2)..... Who Wins & How?

PB - Defo Froch again, He was to strong last time & I thought Groves was about done when it was stopped, Great perfomance last time by Groves but that was then & this is now, Froch in 10....

Sitting on the fence with Chisora vs Fury, Totally different fight to last time.... Maybe an upset with Chisora winning late.

BHB - Thanks for your time Paul & we wish you all the best for May 17th, We have our tickets booked already so we hope to catch up with you again on the night, But just give our readers a reminder of how they can get their tickets?

PB - No worries be good to see you, please do say hello, They can get tickets from myself or Carl Geaves.

Tickets for Shane Mcphilbin vs Paul Butlin for the vacant Midlands Heavyweight Title are on sale Now & can be purchased from www.carlgreavespromotions.co.uk