We caught up with Tom Ansell ahead of his fight at the Watford Leisure Centre on May 21st, and have a read below to find out more about Tom Ansell and what makes him tick.
Q: Tell us a bit about your background, where are you from? How old were you when you started boxing and why did you start? Was anybody of inspiration to you?
A: My name is Tom Ansell, I’m 29 and I’m from Hitchin in Hertfordshire (Tom jokes that it sounds like a take me out entrance) I started boxing down at Elite fitness academy in Hitchin to get fit for the up and coming rugby season, almost 10 years ago. When started I started doing well knocking people out and enjoying it. My inspirations are Manny Pacquiao and Mike Tyson.
Q: You’ve built a record of 9-2 since turning pro in 2017 and you’re scheduled to box for the English super-lightweight title next month, however you face a durable opponent in Paul Cummings this Saturday, so will fighting for national honours be at the back of your mind on Saturday?
Tom Ansell Q&A Corner
A: Unfortunately it isn’t happening for the English or that opponent anymore.
(Will it be rescheduled? Not sure mate, Boxing politics are in the way at the minute!)
Q: Do you have any pre or post-fight rituals? Anything you’re superstitious about?
A: I always put my left boot on first not sure why, to be honest.
Q: Who is your boxing idol and why?
A: My boxing idols are Manny Pacquiao and Mike Tyson. Pacman because of his work rate and skill plus what he does for his country outside of boxing. Mike Tyson due to how dominant he was for a small heavyweight and the presence he has walking to the ring. Also, now Connor Benn he has answered all critics and beats what’s in front of him.
Q: Where do you see your career in five years’ time and what do you want to achieve from boxing?
A: In 5 years’ time retired with an English title at the very least to show my son.
Tom Ansell Q&A Corner
Unfortunately, Tom’s scheduled English title fight has been cancelled however he still fights this Saturday on a packed out card in Watford promoted by Jon Pegg.
Despite the said title fight not happening just yet Tom Ansell is still determined to collect national honours so he can proudly show his son and the man from Hitchin won’t be taking his time at 29 years of age. He will be looking to perform well against a difficult opponent to stop over 4 rounds but Ansell has 6 scheduled.
Cummings has gone the distance 53 times in 62 fights albeit they are only four and six round fights it will be interesting to see how he deals with a very durable journeyman at this level.
Be sure to keep an eye out on Tom Ansell and see if he can achieve what he has set out to in the domestic scene!
By Dan Kelly
Also, read: Derek Chisora Next Fight & Opponent Confirmed For July 9 In London